Pruning for idiots - like me
One of the best things about the Internet is, you can ask it a question, and get an answer.
That's true for gardening questions, too. So, after working in my garden for a couple of hours, I came inside and typed a question in the Google box on my laptop:
"How do I prune my beautyberry?"
I planted two Calicarpa americana last year after seeing their beautiful pale green leaves and lavender berries. Beautyberry for sure.
But I wasn't sure whether this year's spring blooms and fall berries would arrive on new or old wood.
I got my answer on the Internet. I should be pruning it to the ground now. But this isn't the only shrub or perennial that needs pruning and I am timid about using my pruners. What if I wreck things?
Sure enough, my friends at Gardener's Supply, writing on their Gardening Journal blog, have tips and resources for spring pruning jobs. Take a read for their advice on tools as well as an excellent pruning book.
Generally speaking, prune spring flowering shrubs after they bloom but before they set buds for next season. And that could happen as early as July if we are talking about lilacs and August if we are talking about hydrangeas.
There is plenty of good advice here for the beginning pruner. Take a read.
Comments
Thanks for this, Susan. I had a Beautyberry appear as a volunteer in my garden a few years ago and I have never touched it, except to collect branches for arrangements. It goes to the ground as soon as the weather improves!
What do you mean, goes to the ground? -- Susan
Posted by: Dahlink | April 5, 2011 3:45 PM