The Basics of Pruning Pruning isn’t just about keeping plants tidy, it’s about enhancing the health, structure, and appearance of your landscape. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can promote stronger growth, reduce disease, and even increase flowering in your trees and shrubs.Pruning…
Going by common names such as Blueblossom, California Lilac or Mountain Lilac, it's not surprising that Ceanothus are popular shrubs for many styles of gardens, with spectacular blooms in colors ranging from pale to very deep blue/purple or white. Blooming in late winter or spring, they are valuable early…
Stephen Reid credits the UC Master Gardener program for preparing him for his role as assistant curator for the rose portion of the famous botanic garden in Pasadena.
Scientific NameCamellia japonica; C. sasanqua; C. sinensisSpecial Considerations:Japonica buds set in later summer and bloom later from Winter to Spring.Sasanqua buds set in late summer and rest and open in the late fall to early winter.Sinensis buds set in the summer and bloom in the fall.The…
Scientific NameLagerstroemiaThe natural habit of Crape Myrtles is to produce multiple trunks. However, they may be trained to become a single trunk tree. Trees with multiple trunks develop a wider canopy and carry a larger number of blossoms. However, single-trunk trees still produce a profusion of…
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…
