UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune string of nickels 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 nickels
Snip overly long or leafless stems back to a healthy node with clean scissors. Remove any mushy or dead sections at their origin point.
String of nickels (Dischidia nummularia) is a compact trailing epiphyte that rarely needs pruning. Trim back excessively long or bare stems to a node to encourage branching and maintain a fuller appearance. Remove any dead or rotted stems promptly. Never cut the short flowering spurs, which can produce small blooms.
More string of nickels care for British gardens
Care at a glance
Pruning string of nickels in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune string of nickels in the UK?
Prune string of nickels 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 nickels in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to string of nickels, 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 nickels?
Snip overly long or leafless stems back to a healthy node with clean scissors. Remove any mushy or dead sections at their origin point.
How often does string of nickels need pruning in a British garden?
Rarely; light trim once a year or as needed. String of nickels (Dischidia nummularia) is a compact trailing epiphyte that rarely needs pruning. Trim back excessively long or bare stems to a node to encourage branching and maintain a fuller appearance. Remove any dead or rotted stems promptly. Never cut the short flowering spurs, which can produce small blooms.
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.