Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Technique
In young plants all that is necessary is to
remove the old flower head and cut to the
uppermost pair of fat buds as shown in
Figures 4.47 and 4.48.
After four to five years, the bush may
become overcrowded and the older growth
will need to be removed. Cut down the
oldest f lowering stems to a strong
(a)
Figure 4.48 These buds, from last year's wood, produce
the growth that will hold next season's flowers.
unf lowered shoot, or if there are none,
cut the stem out completely. They will be
much thicker than the newer stems with
pale bark. Prune out such stems at ground
level. A pruning saw allows greater access,
so that you do not have an awkward cluster
of old stems at the base. These can make
the clean removal of old stems difficult to
get at in the future (see Figures 4.49
and 4.50).
(b)
A very old hydrangea can benefit from
complete canopy removal if required.
If you are dealing with an ancient neglected
shrub, radical renovation may be required.
The entire bush can be cut to the ground,
completely decapitated. This will stimulate
new growth from the base. In cold climates
where pruning is performed in spring, the
next season's flowers will be sacrificed. In
mild climates, however, where the pruning
can be done in winter, flowering may be
delayed. There will be enough time for the
Figure 4.47 Remove the old flower heads (a and b) back
to a fat pair of buds or new growth
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