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UC Marin Master Gardeners

Pruning Tips: Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Pruning Tips for Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Choose from the selection below of commonly grown plants and trees in Marin to view tips and advice for how and when to prune them correctly.

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hydrangea paniculata
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Pruning Hydrangea - Panicle & Smooth Varieties

 Scientific NameH. paniculata; H. arborescensThese hydrangea varieties begin to bloom in the mid-summer on wood that forms during the current growing season. They can bloom well into the fall.Pruning is best performed during the winter, before new growth begins.Removing spent blooms at the base can keep…
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loropetalum
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Pruning Loropetalum

 Scientific NameLoropetalum chinenseLoropetalum have two blooming cycles. They begin flowering in late winter (usually February) on old wood that formed during the previous growing season and cover themselves in masses of blossoms through March. They then bloom sporadically throughout the summer on new…
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pittosporum
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Pruning Pittosporum

 Scientific NamePittosporum tobiraAlthough the focus of this guide is on pruning, some gardeners shear their pittosporum. If a gardener chooses this method, then, just as for pruning, shearing should occur after the spring bloom. Shearing in the winter removes the flower buds.Pittosporum are susceptible…
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