UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune string of pickles in the UK
Why the timing differs here
For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
How to prune string of pickles
Use clean scissors to cut leggy stems just above a leaf or node. Cuttings root easily in dry soil if you want to propagate.
String of pickles (Othonna capensis) needs minimal pruning. Trim leggy or bare stems back by one-third in early spring to promote fuller, more compact growth. Remove any dead or mushy stems promptly. The plant is fast-growing and tolerates a light tidy-up well.
More string of pickles care for British gardens
Care at a glance
- When to prune ruby necklace in the UK — the species this cultivar belongs to
- General string of pickles pruning guide
- RHS hardiness ratings explained
Pruning string of pickles in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune string of pickles in the UK?
Prune string of pickles in early to mid spring. For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
Is it illegal to prune string of pickles in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to string of pickles, 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 pickles?
Use clean scissors to cut leggy stems just above a leaf or node. Cuttings root easily in dry soil if you want to propagate.
How often does string of pickles need pruning in a British garden?
As needed; lightly once a year in spring. String of pickles (Othonna capensis) needs minimal pruning. Trim leggy or bare stems back by one-third in early spring to promote fuller, more compact growth. Remove any dead or mushy stems promptly. The plant is fast-growing and tolerates a light tidy-up well.
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.