Plant Care

 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…

 The primary goal of winter pruning is to focus the plant’s energy and nutrients into the formation of buds that produce the magnificent, pendulous flowers with their delightful fragrance. We do this by aggressively pruning the wisteria so that it has a well-spaced series of main vines with side shoots…

 Scientific NameCeanothus spp.Prized forDense flower cover; and dark green leaves.Blooms onOld wood and new wood.When to PrunePrune after bloom - in the spring, after the rains have ended. Ceanothus are susceptible to apricot canker if pruned in wet weather. Note: The plant may have two or more bloom…

 Scientific NameRhamnus californicaPrized forDeep green foliage.Blooms onN / AWhen to PruneAfter the winter bloom and the berries have faded. Can be lightly pruned all year.What to PruneUse small thinning cuts and tip pruning to establish the structure and to control the form. Structure may not be…