10 Species of Plants That Should Remain Untouched During Summer Pruning
Chopping off the Wrong Branches: 10 Plants to Steer Clear of Pruning in Summer
Gardeners, beware! Summer pruning isn't always a winner for your flowering plants. Some plants can lose blooms, become more susceptible to pests, or even face disease. To nurture healthy and blooming ornamentals, avoid these 10 plants during the summer months.
Avoid 'Em: Don't Prune These 10 Flowers in Summer
1. AbeliasThese delightful shrubs, known for attracting bees and hummingbirds with their summer blooms, should be given a pass in the pruning department. Abelias form flowers on the current season's growth, and trimming at the wrong time can eliminate their appeal to pollinators and reduce blooming.
2. Crape MyrtlesSince these beautiful bloomers burst forth in summer, it's wise to keep your pruners tucked away until winter dormancy. Summer pruning may delay blooming and make crape myrtles more vulnerable to diseases. It's acceptable to deadhead old flowers to curb seed spreading.
3. Going Floral With Dogwoods (Cornus florida)Though dogwoods can tolerate summer pruning better than some plants, it's generally best to prune during their dormant period in winter. When pruned during the active growing season, dogwoods might bleed sap, making them less attractive and more susceptible to pests and diseases.
4. Dainties on Potentillas (Cinquefoils)These plants require a trim from time to time, but refrain from pruning during summer. Potentillas do most of their flowering in summer, and trimming at this time can decrease blooms and potentially stress the plants, leading to less flowering the following year. Instead, prune potentilla in winter, and cut back the thickest stems to the ground since these rarely rebloom.
5. Smoky Wonders: Smoke BushThis intriguing specimen plant comes to life with unexpected colors and blooms from late spring to early fall. Early spring is the optimal time to prune smoke bush. Pruning in summer can diminish flowering and incur significant plant stress, increasing the chances of fungal and bacterial diseases. Be cautious while pruning in autumn, as late pruning can prompt autumn leafing and make tender stems more susceptible to frost damage.
6. Oleanders: A MisconceptionAlthough these plants develop flowers on new growth, summer pruning is still not advised. Oleanders typically bloom through summer and fall, and trimming them during their bloom can interfere with flowering. For healthy and happy oleanders, prune them during the dormant period in late winter to early spring and cut plant stems back to a leaf node to encourage branching and leafy growth.
7. Fragrant Lilacs (Syringa)Though you might want to freshen up the look of your lilac bushes, it's best to hold off on pruning in summer and fall. Lilacs bloom on old wood, meaning they produce flower buds during the previous growing season. If you prune these plants in summer, you may likely remove the flower buds and end up with non-blooming plants the following spring.
8. Cheery ForsythiasLike lilacs, forsythias bloom on old wood, so pruning should only be done immediately after they've finished flowering in spring. Pruning in summer or fall may remove flower buds, resulting in fewer flowers next year. Remove damaged branches whenever necessary, but refrain from reshaping forsythias in summer.
9. Blooming DaphnesThese slow-growing plants generally don't require pruning, but if you must trim, do so immediately after the plant flowers. Similar to lilacs, daphnes bloom only on old wood, and summer pruning can remove their flower buds and decrease blooms.
10. Rhododendrons and AzaleasThese bloomers, like lilacs and forsythias, should be pruned only after they finish flowering. Summer pruning can reduce flowering and cause rhododendrons to produce new, tender growth, making them more prone to aphid infestations and pest damage.
Understanding Plant Care for a Vibrant Garden
The Importance of Timing: When to PruneTo ensure your garden remains healthy and flourishing, it's crucial to care for your plants during the right seasons. While pruning can be valuable for some plants, there are certain species that require special attention to maintain their beauty and productivity.
Bhg's Guide to Timely PruningBhg, the home-and-garden experts, offer insight into the best times for pruning various plants. By adhering to their advice, you can help your plants maintain their garden care and lifestyle at their prime.
Plants to Handle with CareWhen it comes to pruning, gardeners should be mindful of certain flowering plants. Pruning these plants during the wrong season can lead to reduced blooming, increased susceptibility to pests or diseases, and overall stress for the plants.
A List of Cautious ChoicesListed below are ten flowers that require special attention during the pruning process. By knowing when not to prune these plants, you'll be well on your way to creating a lush and blooming garden that stands out in your home-and-garden lifestyle.
Plants to Avoid Pruning in SummerAvoid cutting back on these ten flowers: Abelias, Crape Myrtles, Dogwoods (Cornus florida), Potentillas (Cinquefoils), Smoke Bush, Oleanders, Fragrant Lilacs (Syringa), Cheery Forsythias, Blooming Daphnes, Rhododendrons, and Azaleas. By understanding when to care for your yard and garden, you can ensure their continued growth and beauty throughout the season.
