Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Need someone who knows how to prune plants
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Old 01-01-2014, 02:16 AM
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Default Correct Shrub Pruning

Quote:
Originally Posted by hole19sd View Post
Our current landscape company uses a hedge trimmer to prune everything, as a result our flowering plants never flower because they prune all the blossoms off. They all look like large shaped bushes. Need someone who knows how to prune Hibiscus and other flowering plants.
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All plants and shrubs cannot be trimmed the same way. What you are speaking about are really two different things.

For example, many shrubs should be trimmed right after they flower (such as azaleas). Another example: Ixoras should never be trimmed with a hedger because that ruins their look and you will almost never see the flowers. They need to be what is called "selectively pruned" so they maintain a natural look which also promotes the flowers. This means that each individual shoot is pruned by itself (one at a time). When one shoot gets too tall, it should be cut down towards the base (or close to it) of the plant. This keeps it bushy and you will always have flowers because you aren't shearing them off.

If your garden person won't do this (you are the one who is paying them to do the job) -- get someone else.

I know that Earthscapes has a maintenance crew. You might want to give them a call and speak with them. 352-748-0351

Good luck!