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timing of gardenia pruning
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Posted by tlacuache Raleigh - Zone 7b (My Page) on Sat, Jul 18, 09 at 2:35
| I have a couple of large, upright-growing gardenias (i.e., not the creeping 'Radicans' types) in my yard that have gotten quite large but are still very attractive and flower well. However, I would like to prune them back substantially—not necessarily a hack job, but more of a nuanced hand-pruning to scale back their overall size by one-third to one-half. My question is, in y'all's experience here in the mid-South, how late in the season can I do it without significantly impacting next year's flowers? Gardenias seem to straddle the line between old-wood and new-wood flowering shrubs, but usually the best and most abundant flowers are in from the initial flush off the previous season's growth at around Memorial Day or so. Of course, it also flowers some on new growth, so I should get some blossoms next year even after a severe late pruning. But approximately when does it start setting next year's flower buds? Or, more to the point, how late in the season can it still initiate new flower bud development for blooms the following May? I'm interested in your experiences with gardenias and pruning timing, especially those of you who live in a similar zone. Thanks. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: timing of gardenia pruning
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- Posted by mcbdz 8 Louisiana (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 6, 09 at 12:33
I am no expert but, it is best to prune after flowering. That said even if you cut them back now they have plenty of time to put on some new grow and I would think you will have a fuller bush next year. Jut don't over prune. Usually 1/4 is what you would prune. I'd be afraid to go back too far. You can alway prune again next year after they flower.
Hope this helps some.
Pattie P.S. The cuttings are really easy to root also. Fastest in water. |
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