|
As we survey
our yards in the spring, for many of us, one of the first tasks that
comes to mind is cutting back, thinning out, or shaping the various
plants we have. But before undertaking this project, consider the
following guidelines when thinking about pruning your landscape:
-
Spring-flowering shrubs
should be pruned when they finish blooming.
-
Roses need mulch
pulled away when night temperatures routinely stay above 25
degrees. Cut any blackened winter-killed canes back to healthy
tissue. As weather warms and ground thaws, cut back healthy
canes by one-third.
-
Frost-damaged Plants
should be inspected on the upper stems for the first sign of new
growth. If you see new growth, prune out dead wood, cutting
well into live tissues. Make the cut just above a node where
new growth emerges.
-
Corrective pruning
(such as removing crossing or unwanted branches) may be done for
all other trees and shrubs, including evergreens, at any time of
the year.
-
Take stem cuttings
from your houseplants (begonias, coleus, geraniums, impatiens,
etc.) and root them for summer blooms and foliage outdoors.
For any questions you have on this
article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by
and talk to one of our professional staff members. Remember,
Phelan Gardens is open year around!
For additional information, check
the following links:
|
