How to prune osmanthus

1. Pruning time

The time for pruning osmanthus is usually during the seedling stage or the growth period. At this time, due to the vigorous growth, pruning can recover quickly, and it is also beneficial to control the plant shape. However, proper pruning can be done during the winter dormancy period to reduce the absorption of water and nutrients, making it more lush when it grows the following year.

2. Pinching and Topping

When the osmanthus grows to a certain height, it is necessary to pinch it in time. Pinching is a good way to control the height of the plant and also helps to promote the growth of side shoots. Side bud growth can make the plant look more lush and the flowers bloom more densely.

3. Prune weak branches

If the osmanthus grows poorly or encounters diseases and pests, the diseased and weak branches should be pruned. Pruning off weak branches allows nutrients to be concentrated on stronger branches, making them grow better. Diseased branches should be discovered and pruned early, and treated centrally to avoid the spread and recurrence of the disease.

4. Timely thinning

Sometimes it is not good for osmanthus to grow too lushly. The branches and leaves outside are too dense, resulting in insufficient ventilation and lack of light inside, which makes it easy for bacteria to breed and cause disease. Therefore, it is necessary to thin out the plant appropriately to ensure that the interior is ventilated and light-permeable to reduce the possibility of it becoming diseased.