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BASICS
of PRUNING
Most shrubs do not actually
'need' pruning!
(Now that's a pretty good way to start a
feature on how to prune shrubs and pruning: I will now bid you farewell and let you get on
with it!)
But; many shrubs are planted
in the wrong situation - in relation to size and position, so
pruning becomes necessary. Add to
that, the fact that we are usually more concerned with having the
maximum amount of flower/foliage/stem growth, than we are with the
shrub's feelings, then the need for us to prune
our shrubs over-rides the desire of our shrubs to be pruned!
It is interesting to note
what happens after the pruning of a shrub......
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If
you prune a shrub down to - or near to ground level, it will send
up vigorous growth to the same height (normally) during a single
growing season! When you want long
'canes' of new growth - as in the case of some Cornus (Dogwoods) -
this is great. (On the other hand, if you are a bit of a 'snipper'
at the ends of twigs, then you will end up with rather weak
insignificant growth - similar to that which you have 'nibbled at'.)
All of that having been said, it
is also true that young vigorous growth, is more likely to have more
prolific flowers and foliage (and stem colour) than older growth. (A
bit like us humans really I suppose!)
The guide
on how to prune shrubs and
shrub pruning is simple to use. You will find most of the shrubs which we
require to prune on an annual basis listed, together with a section on
pruning for special effects!
If you cannot find the shrub that
you are looking for, then please let us know and we will try to add
it into our feature. In any event we will reply to you with your own
personal pruning appraisal. How's that for service?
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Contact
Pruning@gardenseeker.com
Our A-Z Easy
Pruning Guide
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Before starting any
pruning, please ensure that you have a good, sharp pair of secateurs.
(The 'By-pass' type is probably best for general use - rather than
the 'anvil type'). |
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General
Early Flowering Shrub
Shrubs that flower before midsummer usually bloom on growth made
the previous year. They are normally pruned after flowering (early
summer), so that new growth has a full season in which to ripen
before blooming the following year. Forsythia and Philadelphus are
typical of this group. It is important to know how to prune these
shrubs.
Late Flowering Shrubs
Shrubs that bloom after midsummer, have flowers on the current
season's growth; these are pruned in winter or spring. They then
flower later in the season on new growth. (HT and floribunda roses
are typical of this group)
Evergreens are best pruned
in mid-spring, so that young shoots will develop after the
danger of frost has passed.
Old Shrubs
Most old shrubs can be rejuvenated by cutting back hard to
30-45cm from the ground. To be doubly safe, it would be better to
cut down around 50% in year one (sending up loads of new growth) and
then cut down the remainder in year 2. |
Click picture
Here
for A-Z pruning
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