Spring!
(March 2010)
Always such a welcome arrival, the first day of spring (regardless of whether it starts out with snow!) is eagerly awaited by gardeners and “black thumbs” alike. It’s easy to get carried away with the impulse to start planting, or at least cruise the garden centers for new arrivals.
A more practical outlet for the gardening ‘itch’ is to get out and do some selective pruning. There are several shrubs that require attention in late winter or early spring, among them are shrubs that bloom on new wood and cane growing shrubs. By pruning before new growth appears you will improve the overall health of the shrub, stimulate growth and enhance its appearance for the coming growing season.
-Shrubs that bloom on new wood include certain hydrangeas (Panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata) and smooth hydrangeas (H. arborescens). Big leaf and Oak leaf hydrangeas should not be pruned at his time, as that will remove their flower buds.
-Cane growing shrubs include Forsythias, Mock oranges, Privet, Rose of Sharon, Smoke bush, Viburnums and Weigela, as well as shrub Roses. (Since Forsythia blooms early, you may want to wait until after it blooms to do your pruning).
-Crape myrtles and red twig dogwoods also need attention this time of year. Crape myrtles will bloom much better with judicious pruning, and red twig (and yellow-twig) dogwoods require pruning to keep their stems brilliant and colorful come winter.
Pruning can be daunting. If you’re not sure how and where to prune a shrub, get advice! Trees and shrubs are a valuable part of your property and once something’s been lopped off, there’s no re-attaching it! You can consult gardening handbooks, your cooperative extension or a garden professional. Be sure you are talking to someone who has had training in plant care, as not everyone who claims to be a “landscaper” really has an understanding of the growing cycle for individual shrubs and trees.
Let the growing begin!
-Anne