Save the date
Ellen Zachos, author of “Backyard Foraging,” will give a free talk on that subject at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 29, in DeBoest Lecture Hall at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
© Rob Cardillo
The temptation is great this time of year to shape up the shrubs. Don’t.
Pruning forces new growth. The new leaves and branch tips will not have enough time to harden off or prepare for winter. Freezing temperatures will likely kill the new growth and possibly damage the plant.
Evergreens are the most vulnerable to late-season pruning. Keep this in mind this winter when snipping a few branches of holly and other evergreens for indoor holiday decoration or outdoor seasonal arrangements. Cutting off a few branches is fine, but be judicious and selective.
Pruning spring-blooming shrubs now, such as forsythia, weigela, lilac, viburnum and several kinds of hydrangea, removes next year’s flower buds. It’s best to prune these plants within a few weeks after they bloom.
Lastly, remember that pruning is not required. Pruning should always be done for a purpose, such as reining in size or removing an errant or damaged branch. If you’re always pruning for size then consider moving the plant to a better location.
Reduce maintenance by allowing the shrubs and trees to be themselves, embracing their natural form. Plants that are pruned or sheared into certain shapes require regular maintenance. If you do prune, remember to keep the branches at the base of the plant slightly wider than the middle or top. If the top or middle branches are wider, they shade the base of the plant, causing foliage, needles and branches to become sparse and eventually die.
Reblooming shrubs, such as Sonic Bloom weigela, Josee or Bloomerang lilac, Double Play spirea and the Endless Summer group of hydrangeas rarely need pruning, unless it’s to clean out dead branches. Removing spent flowers periodically encourages these shrubs to keep blooming. Most of these will bloom, rest for a few weeks, bloom and rest. A little TLC with a drink of water periodically also help keep the rebloomers happy.