Viburnum carlcephalum pruning

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Then, give them a good trim to keep things lookin’ sharp. For tough old wood, grab some long-handled loppers and a sharp folding pruning saw to make the job easier.

  • Remove Dead Flowers: Snip away those spent blossoms with sharp, clean pruners. This helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

    However, when plants have been neglected, they are likely to grow out of shape and their old wood will flower less.

    When this happens, simply remove the oldest stems over a three to four-year period, so the plant maintains its shape and continues to flower on the younger growth.

    By the end of the process, you will be left with a healthy, flowering and shapely shrub made up of new wood.

    Shop tools to prune viburnum

    A sharpening tool made of diamond-coated hardened steel that can be used to sharpen pruning shears or loppers.

    Make sure to cut just above a bud or lateral branch, angling the cut away from the bud.

    To maintain a specific shape, prune the outermost branches by cutting them back slightly. Just make sure to leave a bit of space when you’re making cuts, about a quarter inch from where the branch meets another or the trunk. This is best done in late winter or early spring rather than after flowering.

    After flowering, if shaping is necessary, go ahead and give them a trim. However, like any other plant, they require regular pruning to maintain their health and shape. With proper care and attention, your viburnum plant will thrive and provide you with years of beauty in your garden.

    Viburnums are a hugely popular species of shrubs.

    A pair of pruning shears made of Japanese SK5 stainless steel, which can cut through branches up to 1 inch in diameter.

    You may wonder if there is a need to deadhead viburnum flowers throughout the season. There are many varieties of viburnum, some deciduous (they lose their leaves in the fall) and some evergreen, and the joy of them is that they are all low maintenance and easy to keep in shape.

    It is important to know how and when to prune your viburnum shrubs.

    Here are the essential tools you will need:

    1. Pruning shears: Use sharp pruning shears for cutting small branches and stems.
    2. Loppers: Loppers are necessary for cutting thicker branches that cannot be easily cut with pruning shears.
    3. Hand saw: A hand saw will come in handy for cutting larger branches.
    4. Garden gloves: Protect your hands from scratches and thorns with a good pair of garden gloves.

    Step-by-Step Viburnum Pruning Techniques

    Step 1: Assess the Plant

    Before you start pruning, take a close look at your viburnum plant and decide on the desired shape and size you want to achieve.

    Let your viburnum grow a bit, at least to 4 feet tall, before you start prunin’ the lower branches to shape it into a tree.

    The same goes for older viburnums: pick out 1 to 3 sturdy trunks or main branches to form your tree shape.

    viburnum carlcephalum pruning

    However, it never hurts to practice occasional viburnum pruning each year to maintain shape and overall beauty.

    When to Prune Viburnum

    While light pruning can be performed anytime throughout the year, it's best to leave any major shearing or severe pruning for late winter or early spring. Follow our guide and you can have a healthy, shapely shrub with prolific flowers.

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    (Image credit: Future/Ruth Hayes)

    When to prune viburnum

    The correct time to prune viburnums is after they have flowered.

    Over-pruning can weaken the plant and affect its ability to recover.

  • If you’re unsure about how much to prune, it’s better to prune conservatively. Only use the product at the recommended rates and water it in.

    Proper watering helps the plant recover from pruning and avoids it getting too stressed. This is when your Viburnum is resting, making it the perfect time for shaping and rejuvenation without disturbing new growth.

    This way you won’t accidentally trim away future blossoms.

    • Can viburnum be cut back hard?

    If your viburnum is getting out of hand or looking a bit too leggy for your liking, a hard prune might just be the ticket. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease, and if you spot any, get rid of those branches pronto.

    If frost is imminent in your area, you should put off pruning so as not to damage new shoots.

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    How Much Can a Viburnum Shrub be Trimmed Back?

    Typically, viburnum shrubs should be trimmed back about a third of their size each year. Whether you’re a green-thumbed pro or just dipping your toes into gardening, mastering the art of pruning can take your viburnum shrubs to the next level of beauty and health.

  • Cut Away Old And Unproductive Wood: Next up, tackle those thicker stems that have grown a bit lanky and aren’t producing like they used to.