Can I cut back the long stems?

Yes, pruning is great for this plant. It will encourage new, stronger growth from the base.

Is full sun too much?

Short-fruited willowherb enjoys partial shade to full sun. If your area is extremely hot, some afternoon shade will keep it from getting stressed.

Short-fruited willowherb: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how many hours of light the plant gets daily.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Look for signs of new growth at the base.

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 spot with more bright, indirect light. If you are growing it indoors, consider placing it closer to a south or east facing window.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse but the leaves look healthy. It has not been trimmed back during the growing season.
What to do: Pinch back the growing tips to encourage the plant to branch out. This will result in a bushier, more compact shape.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your short-fruited 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

Legginess is rarely a sign of a dying plant, just one that is unhappy with its environment. It is only a concern if the stems become too weak to support themselves.

Stopping it coming back

Place the plant in a location with consistent light and pinch back the stems occasionally to maintain a full shape.

Short-fruited willowherb: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your short-fruited 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, pruning is great for this plant. It will encourage new, stronger growth from the base.
Is full sun too much?: Short-fruited willowherb enjoys partial shade to full sun. If your area is extremely hot, some afternoon shade will keep it from getting stressed.

Why is my short-fruited willowherb growing so leggy?