Can I hard prune spirea shrubs?
MaMaison _ Zone 4 Southern AB
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
MaMaison _ Zone 4 Southern AB
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Mock Orange - can I hard prune now?
Comments (4)Thanks dan & ken.. Ken, you said to take the largest 1/3 of the branches out as close to the ground as possible. I understand that that's the way to do it, but if I do that I'll still have a very untidy looking shrub with long branches hanging over the driveway...I'd much prefer a more compact shape, maybe 4-5 ft tall. Dan, you said that it would take several years for the pruned plant to grow back to its present size. But what will it look like at the end of this summer? Will it be scraggly and open, or will it look full, but not as tall? Carly...See MoreShould I prune these branches off Itea (spirea)
Comments (5)I know they suggest to scratch branches to see if you see green under the bark, now I did this two years ago with a sand cherry shrub. No green...instead of ripping it out. I pruned it hard and planned my next placement to take it's place. It rejuvenated the next spring... My neighbor had two Rose of Sharon planted a few feet apart. I swore one was dead from the harsh winter, when the one beside it filled with leaves and the Rose of Sharon beside it stood bare branched and looking dead. I always drove by feeling sad that it hadn't made it. My husband and I even discussed it. Well...my husband brought to my attention that the dead shrub was getting green leaf buds opening up! I had refused to glance it's direction for it always made me sad...it was a beautiful lush bush full of blooms when in season. So I hadn't realized the new growth appearing. I would say...most of our shrubs did suffer die back from the harsh winter. But, I will always wonder if I didn't allow them to go further if they would have done as this Rose of Sharon had. Showing signs of life... Though...I didn't prune them out until July. Giving them longer than the nursery guy stated to do. So I'm not being real helpful...just sharing experiences in my neck of the woods. You can see the purple leaves of the sand cherry at the side of our waterfall. I had totally gave it unto death. As it had no green under the bark when I did scratched to see if there was any. I had pruned it under a foot tall so it would not be noticeable when viewing it from this direction. (I have posts on the sand cherry and my concerns of it being dead here on the forum as well) Neither is the shrub you have...but, something to ponder....See MoreSenecio - how hard can I prune it?
Comments (4)According to Harrison (Handbook of Trees and Shrubs) 'they benefit from a light pruning each winter'. He goes on to say 'Old or unshapely bushes can be cut back to near ground level and quickly replenish with new clean growth.' 'A mulching of old sawdust or similar material is also desirable.' Similar to many hebes - because they often grow in unstable conditions they regenerate quite quickly. If you feel doubtful, put off the deed until you've taken some cuttings in autumn....See MoreCan I prune these trees down to shrub size?
Comments (11)The one on the left looks like it was planted with no allowance for growth. The one on the right shouldn't even be there. Both have been sheared to accommodate the steps. The one on the right, more so. I would prune the one on the left by removing all the larger branches, leaving the smaller ones. Maybe even taking off all of them down low so as to give it a visible trunk. They have nice trunks as they age. The net effect would be a lot narrower and more in scale to it's location. I would trim the top to a point, at the highest I could get away without interfering with the cable lines. Heck, I might even move the cable lines! That's not too difficult. I'm not using a walker yet. It would be fun to thin the one on the right. Maybe do a little Niwaki. If it doesn't work out, you could always remove it. Like I said, it doesn't belong there anyway. The Ch. obtusa, 'Aurea' gets much larger, as do the green varieties of both. All are very nice trees, given enough room to be themselves with very little or no pruning. Shearing is out of the question as far as I'm concerned. Their texture is just too nice for that. It's one of my favorite trees. Mike...See MoreNHBabs z4b-5a NH
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoMaMaison _ Zone 4 Southern AB thanked NHBabs z4b-5a NHken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years agoMaMaison _ Zone 4 Southern AB thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5User
4 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
4 years agoPruningHome
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoUser
4 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESTidy Up Sprawling Native Shrubs With These Pruning Tips
Sound horticultural pruning methods work for native and nonnative plants alike
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Prune Your Flowering Shrubs for the Best Blooms
Less is often more when it comes to properly pruning flowering shrubs. Here’s what to do and why
Full StoryGARDENING 101When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs?
Pruning keeps plants healthy. Find out the best time to cut back flowering trees, needle-bearing shrubs and more
Full StoryGARDENING 101Key Pruning Terms to Help You Shape Up Your Garden
Learn why heading back, crown raising and other practices are essential for your plants’ health and beauty
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Ogon Spirea for Radiance and Texture
This feathery shrub will light up your garden with its bright color and easygoing personality
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNHow to Choose a Fence That Feels Right and Works Hard
Making a thoughtful fencing choice now can create happiness for years to come
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTake Care of Your Hedges With These Pruning Pointers
Hedging plants are often called the garden’s architecture. Here’s how to keep different kinds healthy and attractive
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES7 Ways to Rethink the Shrub
These versatile plants can do more than frame your home’s foundation or line an entry walk
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESThese Hedges Can Add Interest to Your Winter Garden
Evergreen trees and shrubs provide structure and color in the winter months — and can attract wildlife too
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow I Learned to Be an Imperfect Gardener
Letting go can lead to a deeper level of gardening and a richer relationship with the landscape. Here's how one nature lover did it
Full Story
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)