This section covers flowering trees and shrubs that have been introduced to Marin and other California counties as a result of European contact. These tend to enter dormancy when days shorten and temperatures cool.
A separate section covers pruning NATIVE flowering trees and shrubs which grew in Marin and other California counties before European contact. These plants tend to enter dormancy when days lengthen and temperatures warm.
WHEN to Prune
Because the plants covered in this section tend to enter dormancy when days shorten and temperatures cool, the generally ideal time to prune them is in the winter.However, there are exceptions. Therefore, it is helpful to check the section below entitled “Pruning Tips for Flowering Trees and Shrubs” or check reputable print and online resources for advice on the optimum pruning time for each particular plant.
WHAT to Prune
First, do your homework on new and old wood As explained in the section on “Pruning Fundamentals,” some plants flower and fruit on new wood, some on old wood, and some on both. Knowing the wood on which a particular plant flowers and fruits enables a gardener to prune each plant in a manner that achieves the desired pruning objectives.
If flowers and fruit are important In this case, it is critical to preserve the wood on which those buds form when performing dormant season pruning.
If shape, structure & features are more important If a gardener prizes some other characteristic of a plant, such as its leaves, bark, or branch structure, then the pruning plan can focus on accenting those features, rather than preserving the flowering and fruiting buds.
Scientific NameRhododendron spp.Rhododendron usually flower in the winter and begin to push new growth as the blossoms begin to fade. This is a good time to prune to control the size and structure of the plant. Waiting until later will require removal of the new growth to control the size and shape of…
Scientific NameRibes spp.Although most ribes are deciduous, viburnifolium are evergreen.The stems of ribes are not long lived. Therefore, taking out only new stems could shorten the life of the plant. Keep the new stems that are growing in a desired direction and remove the others at the base.Do not…
Scientific NameSalvia elegans, S. guaranitica, S. leucantha, S. waverly, S. ulignosa, S. PatensAs a general rule, these salvia may be pruned severely in the late fall or in the spring. The decision depends upon whether a gardener’s climate includes many nights of freezing temperatures. If so, then it…
Scientific NameSalvia nemorosa, S. x superba, S. penstemonoides, S. SpathaceaImage & InformationThese salvia have erect flower stems surrounded by low mounds of foliage at the base of the stems.As a general rule, these salvia may be pruned severely in the late fall or in the spring. The decision…
Scientific NameSalvia greggii, S. chamaedryoides, S. coccinea, S. microphylla, S. ClevelandiiImage & InformationAs a general rule, these salvia may be pruned severely in the late fall or in the spring. The decision depends upon whether a gardener’s climate includes many nights of freezing…
The primary goal of winter pruning is to focus the plant’s energy and nutrients into the formation of buds that produce the magnificent, pendulous flowers with their delightful fragrance. We do this by aggressively pruning the wisteria so that it has a well-spaced series of main vines with side shoots…
Scientific NameCamellia japonica; C. sasanqua; C. sinensisSpecial Considerations:Japonica buds set in later summer and bloom later from Winter to Spring.Sasanqua buds set in late summer and rest and open in the late fall to early winter.Sinensis buds set in the summer and bloom in the fall.The…
Scientific NameLagerstroemiaThe natural habit of Crape Myrtles is to produce multiple trunks. However, they may be trained to become a single trunk tree. Trees with multiple trunks develop a wider canopy and carry a larger number of blossoms. However, single-trunk trees still produce a profusion of…
Scientific NameFuchsia spp.Fuchsia are susceptible to frost damage. Therefore, this guide recommends pruning in mid-March, after the threat of freezing temperatures has passed. However, some Marin locations seldom freeze at night, and some fuchsia varieties are very hardy. If frost damage is not an…
Scientific NameH. macrophylla; H. serrata; H. aspera; H. quercifoliaThese hydrangea varieties bloom in the early spring on wood that formed during the previous growing season.Pruning is best performed in mid-summer, after the peak of the bloom. This timing is important, because it allows the plant to…
