Pruning

 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…

 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…

 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…

 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…

 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…