UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune string of tears 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 tears
Use clean, sharp scissors to snip bare or dead stems just above a node or leaf. Cuttings root easily in soil, so save healthy trimmings for propagation.
String of Tears needs minimal pruning. Trim any dead, shrivelled, or bare stems back to healthy growth to keep the plant tidy and encourage bushier trailing. Long leggy strands can be cut back to promote fuller growth. Overall pruning needs are low — this plant thrives with light grooming rather than hard cutting.
More string of tears care for British gardens
Care at a glance
- When to prune string of tears in the UK — our other guide for the same plant
- General string of tears pruning guide
- RHS hardiness ratings explained
Pruning string of tears in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune string of tears in the UK?
Prune string of tears 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 tears in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to string of tears, 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 tears?
Use clean, sharp scissors to snip bare or dead stems just above a node or leaf. Cuttings root easily in soil, so save healthy trimmings for propagation.
How often does string of tears need pruning in a British garden?
As needed, typically once or twice a year. String of Tears needs minimal pruning. Trim any dead, shrivelled, or bare stems back to healthy growth to keep the plant tidy and encourage bushier trailing. Long leggy strands can be cut back to promote fuller growth. Overall pruning needs are low — this plant thrives with light grooming rather than hard cutting.
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.