Pruning

 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…

 Scientific NameRibes spp.Prized forFlowers; and dark green foliageBlooms onOld woodWhen to PruneJune, July (Early Summer, after the winter bloom and the spring growth).What to PruneUse thinning cuts to reveal the structure of the plant. The stems are not long-lived. Therefore, taking out only new stems…

 Scientific NameLyonothamnus floribundusPrized forFlowers; peeling bark; and leaf structure.Blooms onN / AWhen to PruneJanuary, but can remove dead material and persistent seed heads in late summer.What to PruneUse thinning cuts to open and reveal the structure.> BACK TO PRUNING TIPS FOR NATIVE PLANTS

 Scientific NameArctostaphylos spp.Prized forDelicate flowers and leaves; twisting trunk and branches; and shiny red bark.Blooms onOld wood.When to PruneAugust, September, October, before flower buds emerge. Flowers form after the summer dormant season on old wood and bloom from the early winter to…

 Scientific NameCercis occidentalisPrized forMass of pink flowers; and twisting branches and trunk. Blooms onOld woodWhen to PruneAugust – OctoberWhat to PruneUse thinning cuts to reveal the branch and trunk structure which is striking in the winter.> BACK TO PRUNING TIPS FOR NATIVE PLANTS

 Scientific NameAmelanchier utahensisPrized forBerries. Upright structure.Blooms onOld woodWhen to PruneJanuaryWhat to PruneIt is best to thin canes from the bottom of the plant. Avoid heading cuts at mid-cane. They may produce “witches broom”, i.e., sprout lots of new growth at the end, causing a…