With their attractive crimson foliage and power to fly high in shade , dwarf nandinas are a popular choice for landscaping To keep these compact shrub looking their good , periodical pruning is involve Proper timing of nandina pruning encourages lush new emergence and shapely form . Read on to read all about when and how to prune nanus nandinas for optimum effect .
Why Prune Dwarf Nandinas
Pruning accomplishes several authoritative object for dwarf nandina plant :
Without regular pruning , dwarf nandinas lean to open up with age and lose their compact anatomy . Their increase becomes thin and leggy near the base . Trimming excite new shoot to fill in bare areas .
When is the Best Time to Prune
Pruning dwarf nandinas is mostly recommended twice per class :
Early Spring Pruning
The optimal time for the major yearly pruning is late winter to early outflow . In most climate February or March is ideal . The weather is cool but growing will be restart presently .
cut stimulate vigorous raw shoot growth that quickly fill in the bush as the season progresses .
Pruning before new growth emerges gives you better visibility into the offshoot construction .

Removing old flower bunch prevents unwanted reseeding .
Late Summer Pruning
A light-colored pruning can be done in late summer ( August / September ) .
This catches any recollective , errant shoots that pop up since spring .
remove spent summertime bloom prevents germ formation .
you could shape industrial plant that put on a growth spurt during hot months .
How Often to Prune
Plan to prune dwarf nandinas at least once per year in early fountain . Every 2 - 3 long time , do a more panoptic renewal pruning .
yearly Inner Light pruning observe size and form . Remove just about one - third of former leg .
Heavy renewal pruning every 2 - 3 geezerhood rejuvenates neglected plants . If need , remove up to two - thirds of the previous , tallest branch .
Pruning Mature Plants Versus Young Plants
The pruning method varies slightly look on the plant ’s old age :
untested plants – Remove only the tall third of shoot to boost bushiness . Avoid shearing the top uniformly .
Mature plant – Can be pruned more hard . Cut the oldest stems down to just above ground level to rejuvenate .
Overgrown plant life – rationalise down all theme except 3 - 4 of the youngest to whole refurbish overmature bush .
How to Prune Dwarf Nandinas
apply clean , needlelike electrical shunt hand pruners or loppers . Sterilize dick between plants to prevent disease spread .
First remove all deadened or damaged stems down to the substructure . Clear out jumble in the Department of the Interior .
pick out the oldest , tallest stem and cut them all the fashion down to 1 - 2 inch above the ground .
Remove any stay on flower or seed cluster .
If needed , trim back the tips of wayward or leggy younger stems by a few in .
work the plant but avoid to a fault shearing into formal , unnatural shapes .
off all rationalise detritus from the area when finish .
Pruning Don’ts
stave off these detrimental pruning mistakes :
Shearing uniformly across the top into ball or boxes . This cause legginess .
make cuts in mid - air . Always crop back to a bud , offset junction or the priming .
Leaving stubs from partly turn out stems . These fail and invite pests and disease .
Pruning heavily just before winter . This removes the plant ’s cold trade protection .
neglect clip for many years . Plants become unacceptable to reshape at that compass point .
Signs It’s Time to Prune
Watch for these discriminative stimulus that dwarf nandinas are delinquent for pruning :
Excessive height – industrial plant well taller than their wait mature height
Leggy base – Sparse , bare stem show at reason degree
Congested DoI – Dense internal growth that lacks flow of air and light
Dead offshoot – Buildup of stagnant sprig within the canopy
Flopped halt – Weak growing that flex over under its own weight
Tools for the Job
have the right pruning tools relieve oneself the job easier :
Bypass handwriting pruning hook – For stanch up to 1/2 inch thickheaded
lopper – For thicker stems up to 1 1/2 inch diam
Pruning see – For sure-enough , very dense stems over 2 inch across
Pole pruners – For reaching in high spirits branch from the ground
desexualize spray or wipes – To prevent overspread diseases between plants
right aftercare ensures your nandinas recover promptly :
Water well after major pruning to reduce impact
Apply a balanced fertilizer to fire regrowth
Watch for sprouting of new shoots and bud
Remove any petty heyday cluster to maintain DOE direction on foliage growing
Resume even pruning agenda the undermentioned year
With the right technique and timing , pruning midget nandinas keeps them looking full , healthy , and full-strength . Just be trusted not to over - prune or use harsh shearing methods . By following these guidelines , you’re able to maintain the thoroughgoing thick shape .
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How to prune nandina
FAQ
How and when to crop dwarf nandina ?
How do you care for dwarf Nandinas ?
When to prune heavenly bamboo ?
How tall can dwarf nandina farm ?
Should Nandina be cut ?
Pruning is rarely necessary for shorter cultivars , and many gardeners simply allow their gravid bush to grow to their full meridian without pruning . But since nandina well escapes cultivation when neglect and is considered invasive , it pay to consider an annual pruning . To prune or not to prune ? That is the question with nandina .
When should you prune a midget Nandina ?
Although compact cultivars ( midget nandina ) are available and rarely involve trimming , taller specimen flora develop to 8 feet tall . They can begin to look leggy over time , especially if they are not given full - Sunday locations . If this happen to your plant , prune in late winter or other springiness . This is also the time to prune for sizing .
How do you clip a Nandina Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ?
Taller , ordinary nandina grows lanky and marginal at the bottom over metre . Pruning restores a full and compact look . Using hand pruners ( never hedge shears ) , renew neglect clumps by cut off one - third of the main stubble to the ground every yr for three years .
Can you rationalize back a Nandina if it is overgrown ?
If you do desire to rein in it in somewhat , you need to know the correct way to cut back your Nandina . Nandina have a alone growth drug abuse and wo n’t fill in below the pruning cut , so register on to find out how . You may be wondering when you could cut back your Nandina if it is overgrown .