How to prune gardenias and when to prune them

Gardenia pruning time

Gardenias usually need to be pruned in June-July and around December, because they are in the growth and dormancy stages. During the growth stage, many useless branches, overlapping branches and weak branches will sprout, which need to be pruned in time to concentrate nutrients. During the dormancy stage, the remaining flowers, diseased and insect-infested branches need to be pruned to reduce nutrient consumption.

Gardenia pruning methods and steps

1. Pruning during the growing season : June and July are the peak germination seasons for gardenias. There will be many branches, including some leggy branches, overlapping branches and thin branches. The leggy branches need to be shortened, and useless branches, thin branches and overlapping branches need to be cut off. This will promote internal ventilation and light transmission.

2. Pruning during the dormant period: Gardenia needs to grow in a warm environment. The temperature will drop in December, causing it to stop growing and enter a dormant stage. Therefore, all dead branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, and residual flowers on the plant need to be cut off. This can reduce nutrient consumption and make nutrients more concentrated, which will help it survive the winter.

Precautions for pruning gardenia

1. When pruning gardenias, be sure to ensure that the cuts are smooth, and after pruning is completed, spray the plants with sterilizers in time, because the newly pruned plants are relatively weak and easily infected by bacteria, and need to be sprayed with chlorothalonil once.

2. After pruning the gardenia, it needs to be placed in a well-ventilated place for maintenance, and avoid direct sunlight, otherwise it will affect its growth and development. It is also necessary to water it in time and fertilize it appropriately.