Pruning

WOW! What a week to get through but I did it and think (and certainly hope) that all of you did, too. I lost many plants, but I am waiting to see what might come back before pruning them too severely. In the meantime, I found an interesting and helpful article in the Shades of Green nursery newsletter concerning pruning hints. I am going to edit and condense some of their suggestions.

Know first of all that there are many benefits to simple pruning. The article reminds us that “Proper size can be maintained, denser growth can be encouraged, and more abundant flowering can be stimulated.” One thing to be aware of, however, is that the proper times to prune must be observed to obtain these benefits. Late February of a good to prune green shrubs such as pittosporum and boxwood and summer flowering shrubs such as crape myrtles and oleanders. The reason for this time is that you want to prune them just before the new spring growth appears. (Assuming that this will happen in spite of our heavy freeze.) Don’t prune spring flowering shrubs such as Spiers, quince and Indian Hawthorn until after they have bloomed. Bush roses should be pruned around Valentines day and climbers not until sometime in May after flowers have faded.

I hope you pruned you peaches, plums and grapevines in February.

Always use sharp pruning shears. (by the way, a new shop in Wimberley does this but I can’t remember the name. I think it is located on or near the square.) With these hints, I hope you will have a beautiful garden this year in spite of our harsh February weather.

Written by Martha Knies