Pruning Pinching Trimming and Shaping
Pruning stimulates growth and creates a bushier branching habit for our plants. It also encourages flowering. Trimming and shaping cleans up a plant’s look and keeps it within bounds.
A general rule is to prune after flowering.
Our natives, as well as most other plants, benefit from clipping off spent flower heads. Most plants flower at the tips of branches, so, by pruning at nodes and allowing two or three extra branches to be formed, flowering can be increased.
Remove growth that cross-branches awkwardly or it is too crowded. Trim off old woody branches to clean up the appearance of a bush and promote new growth.
Prune lightly rather than severely – especially if you’re not sure how the plant will react. Use sharp tools.
To direct and train the growth of young plants pinching out the terminal bud(s) will encourage branching. Adversely, pinching off the side growth will encourage the main stem to grow in height.
Smaller trees or bushes may look more appealing if the lower leafy growth is cut off to show the base branches. Or, for hedges, regular light trimming will promote dense growth down to the ground and splashes of new growth colour.
Don’t forget, the trimmed leafy material can be used as mulch.
Pruning is an ongoing process done mainly when flowering slows or stops. In many cases this will coincide with our cooler months, but to revitalise your plants and to encourage more flowering – give em a trim!
Of course some plants do have special pruning needs, especially if they are frost sensitive, or if they only flower on old wood (last season’s growth) or if you want them to seed or fruit.
I offer pruning services and would be glad to hear from you:
Remove growth that cross-branches awkwardly or it is too crowded. Trim off old woody branches to clean up the appearance of a bush and promote new growth.
Prune lightly rather than severely – especially if you’re not sure how the plant will react. Use sharp tools.
To direct and train the growth of young plants pinching out the terminal bud(s) will encourage branching. Adversely, pinching off the side growth will encourage the main stem to grow in height.
Smaller trees or bushes may look more appealing if the lower leafy growth is cut off to show the base branches. Or, for hedges, regular light trimming will promote dense growth down to the ground and splashes of new growth colour.
Don’t forget, the trimmed leafy material can be used as mulch.
Pruning is an ongoing process done mainly when flowering slows or stops. In many cases this will coincide with our cooler months, but to revitalise your plants and to encourage more flowering – give em a trim!
Of course some plants do have special pruning needs, especially if they are frost sensitive, or if they only flower on old wood (last season’s growth) or if you want them to seed or fruit.
I offer pruning services and would be glad to hear from you:
OUTSIDE – garden design
Sabina 3425 3667 / 0417 627 548
