UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune string of teardrops 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 teardrops
Cut individual strands with clean scissors just above a node. Remove shrivelled or dead sections promptly. Tuck trimmed cuttings back into the soil to fill bare patches.
String of Teardrops needs very little pruning. Remove dead or browning strands as they appear. To keep the plant tidy or encourage denser growth, trim back overly long trailers in spring. Cuttings root readily if tucked back into the pot.
More string of teardrops care for British gardens
Care at a glance
Pruning string of teardrops in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune string of teardrops in the UK?
Prune string of teardrops 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 teardrops in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to string of teardrops, 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 teardrops?
Cut individual strands with clean scissors just above a node. Remove shrivelled or dead sections promptly. Tuck trimmed cuttings back into the soil to fill bare patches.
How often does string of teardrops need pruning in a British garden?
As needed — once a year at most. String of Teardrops needs very little pruning. Remove dead or browning strands as they appear. To keep the plant tidy or encourage denser growth, trim back overly long trailers in spring. Cuttings root readily if tucked back into the pot.
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.