Can I cut back the long stems?

Yes, trimming the stems will encourage the plant to grow new, stronger shoots from the base.

Will it grow back if I prune it hard?

Fringed willowherb responds well to pruning. It will grow back bushier as long as it has enough light.

Fringed willowherb: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess how many hours of bright light the plant receives.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Look at the distance between the leaf nodes on the stem.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with more indirect light. If indoors, place it near a window that gets bright light for most of the day.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse but otherwise healthy. It has not been trimmed back to encourage bushier growth.
What to do: Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage side branching. This will help the plant grow fuller rather than just taller.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fringed willowherb

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the stems are so weak they cannot support themselves. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly during the darker winter months.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright light and pinch back the stems regularly to maintain a compact shape.

Fringed willowherb: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fringed willowherb and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I cut back the long stems?: Yes, trimming the stems will encourage the plant to grow new, stronger shoots from the base.
Will it grow back if I prune it hard?: Fringed willowherb responds well to pruning. It will grow back bushier as long as it has enough light.

Why is my fringed willowherb growing so leggy?