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Roberta's Tip: Pruning Perennials
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Roberta's Tip: Pruning Perennials
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Roberta's Tip: Pruning Perennials
Feb 20, 2008

Most shrubs, bushes, and woody perennials require yearly pruning to promote solid new growth. Spring pruning often works best since winter damage can easily be seen and removed. Always sterilize your pruning tools before and after each job. A weak solution of bleach and water (10 parts water to 1 part bleach) works well. Soak your blades for 10-15 minutes and wipe dry. This prevents bacteria and disease from spreading from one plant to the next.

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Posted by Garden Expert Feb 20, 2008 5:39 PM EST
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If you are pruning to shape a plant, remove no more than a third of the branches per year over a 3 year period. Remove any broken or crossing or rubbing branches. Remember that if the plant blooms in the springtime, you will lose flowers because the buds will have been removed during the pruning process.The plant will rebloom the following year. Always use a bypass pruner and make sure your tools are sharp before you do any pruning. A dull blade will tear the branch and not provide a smooth cut. Make sure your hand pruners are clean of any sap and oils before pruning. Using cotton balls soaked with rubbing alcohol on the blades will also prevent the spread of fungal spores and bacteria from plant to plant.
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JustJazzmom
Feb 20, 2008 6:03 PM