Lightly shape-up top performers like hibiscus, bougainvillea and oleanders today to keep tropical flowering shrubs and hedges exploding with color all season.
HOW TO PRUNE TROPICAL FLOWERING SHRUBS:
- Cut dead, diseased and damaged wood with loppers or hand pruners.
- Trim and shape stray branches.
- Prune branches that grow inward to allow the shrub to get more sun and air.
- Deadhead or cut fading flowers.
- If you’re pruning frequently to keep size in check, you have chosen the wrong plant for the spot and should consider transplanting.
HOW TO PRUNE TROPICAL FLOWERING HEDGES:
- Allow flowering hedges to grow naturally to maintain their unique shape.
- Cut dead, diseased and damaged wood.
- Shape with trimmer so hedge is wider at the base than at the top. This allows rain and sun to reach lower growth.
- Trim hedges as needed to keep naturally shaped and under control.
Tip:
You can remove a few stray shoots from shrubs or hedges any time of year.
PRODUCT CHECKLIST:
- Pruning shears
- Loppers for medium to large branches
- Pruning saw for medium to large branches
- Hedge trimmers
- Basket or bucket for debris
- Gardening gloves
- Ladder
- Knife or scissors