UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune string of dolphins in the UK
Why the timing differs here
British pruning timing is set by the last frost rather than the calendar. The RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants because it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills — and UK last frosts run from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north.
How to prune string of dolphins
Use sharp, clean scissors to cut back to a node or healthy leaf cluster. Let cut ends dry briefly before placing in soil to prevent rot.
String of dolphins requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead, rotting, or bare stems at the base or back to a healthy node. If trailing stems grow too long and sparse, trim them back to encourage branching. This hybrid succulent is slow-growing; over-pruning is more harmful than under-pruning.
More string of dolphins care for British gardens
Care at a glance
Pruning string of dolphins in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune string of dolphins in the UK?
Prune string of dolphins in spring, once growth resumes. British pruning timing is set by the last frost rather than the calendar. The RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants because it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills — and UK last frosts run from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north.
Is it illegal to prune string of dolphins in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to string of dolphins, since birds do not nest in it. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 still protects any active nest you do find anywhere in the garden — the rule is about the nest, not the plant.
How do you prune string of dolphins?
Use sharp, clean scissors to cut back to a node or healthy leaf cluster. Let cut ends dry briefly before placing in soil to prevent rot.
How often does string of dolphins need pruning in a British garden?
Rarely — remove dead growth as it appears. String of dolphins requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead, rotting, or bare stems at the base or back to a healthy node. If trailing stems grow too long and sparse, trim them back to encourage branching. This hybrid succulent is slow-growing; over-pruning is more harmful than under-pruning.
Why is UK pruning timing different from American advice?
Most pruning guides online are written for US conditions and anchored to USDA zones. Britain's maritime climate gives milder winters but later, less predictable last frosts — from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north — so the RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants: it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills. Britain also has the nesting-bird law, which has no US equivalent.