Hi All,
Last September I planted three Goldmound Spireas, and two Cutleaf Stephandras, and was wondering if I need to prune them for their first full year after transplanting?
I'm not sure If I should cut them right to ground level, or use a different method.
My goal is to allow them to grow larger, as they are all relatively small in size right now.
Advice would be much appreciated as this is my first time growing shurbs!
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Yearoundgardener
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- Joined: Sat May 06, 2017 5:37 pm
- Location: South Carolina, South of Charlotte NC
If they already had a full years of growth, then pruning is not necessary, as initial pruning after planting balances the top growth to the damaged root system.
However, most ornamental and flowering shrubs should be pruned every year after flowering, as NEW flowers usually grow from new growth wood of the prior year, as well as to make the bushes thicker and to shape them!
Do not remove more than one third of the previous growth each year, until they become too large, at which time an early Spring severe pruning may be used to take it down to a preferred size!
However, most ornamental and flowering shrubs should be pruned every year after flowering, as NEW flowers usually grow from new growth wood of the prior year, as well as to make the bushes thicker and to shape them!
Do not remove more than one third of the previous growth each year, until they become too large, at which time an early Spring severe pruning may be used to take it down to a preferred size!