 |
Spring PruningThe right time to prune spring bloomers. |
||
|
Small File
|
Large File
|
||
| > Real
Player > Quicktime |
> Real
Player > Quicktime |
||
Transcript: Spring Pruning
Most trees and shrubs are pruned at the end of winter. The exception are spring-blooming plants, such as these azaleas. When we get to the end of spring and early summer, they finish their bloom cycle and that's the time to prune them. The reason is they set their bloom spuds in late summer to fall, and then the plant goes through winter and comes out with its big blooming show in the spring. So if you prune in winter, you're cutting away blooms. By pruning now, you'll cause the bushes to be more compact and have a better bloom show next year. They'll have plenty of time to regrow and set new buds.For plants like this that are kind of tall and gangly, cut them back by a about third to even a half. And them fertilize them and water it in well and keep them moist through the summer. They'll do a great job for you next year.
Some other spring blooming plants that can be bloomed this time of year include spirea, or bridal's wreath, flowering quince, and roses that we refer to as once-bloomers. For example, Lady Banks: It blooms in the spring, but doesn't continue to bloom in cycles through the year like other roses. Those once-blooming roses are also pruned after the spring bloom is over. By taking care of your plants this way, you're setting them up for a great blooming show next spring.
With your common sense tip on preparing your spring-blooming shrubs for next year's blooming show, I'm Skip Richter.
download
For comments and questions about this site please contact
coleena@tamu.edu
or e-gregory@tamu.edu
Last Updated:
July 6, 2006