How to trim philadelphus (mock orange)?
I have couple of philadelphus (mock orange) bushes that have bloomed out. Now
the plants look straggly and quite ugly, with dead-looking branches everywhere. I am wondering if it is okay for me to cut the plants down to the ground in the fall for spring growth. If not, how does one trim this plant? Thank you Jeffery |
"Jefffooz" wrote in message ... I have couple of philadelphus (mock orange) bushes that have bloomed out. Now the plants look straggly and quite ugly, with dead-looking branches everywhere. I am wondering if it is okay for me to cut the plants down to the ground in the fall for spring growth. If not, how does one trim this plant? Dead-looking how ? No leaves? Or just the rather untidy looking dried remains of the flowers? No leaves is not a good thing - it is too early for the shrub to have lost its leaves for the season, so the lack of foliage may indicate some other stress factor, perhaps lack of adequate water. To maximize bloom for the following season, this plant should be pruned as soon as possible after flowering. You can trim it back now, but you will sacrifice a portion of next season's flowers. Cutting it down to the ground is rather harsh and at this time of year, you risk exposing it to winter damage, which in colder climates with severe winters, could kill it. If it is a mature shrub that has grown ungainly, you can remove a third of the oldest canes or stems coming from the base. This will encourage the development of new, more vigorous wood and you can actually rejuvenate the plant by doing the same for a period of three years. Otherwise, you can cut back taller stems and spent flowering branches to a strong shoot or new growth as needed, but as next year's flowers will form on the growth the plant produced this season, you will be removing them as well, unless you do this as soon as the plant is done blooming. pam - gardengal Thank you Jeffery |
|
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:02 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
GardenBanter