Four-season osmanthus is a very beautiful flower, loved by many people. However, to make the osmanthus grow more lush, we need to pay attention to pruning in our daily care. When is the best time to prune four-season osmanthus? Let's find out together.
Understanding the growth habits of four-season osmanthus
Four-season osmanthus is an evergreen small tree that prefers a warm and humid environment. It is not demanding on soil, has strong adaptability, and has a long flowering period of several months. It undergoes metabolism every year, with old branches growing alongside new tender shoots, which requires us to prune it in a timely manner.
Pruning time for four-season osmanthus
The best time for pruning is in winter, from December to January. At this time, the temperature is low, and the osmanthus enters a dormant period. Pruning at this time will not affect its normal growth; on the contrary, it can promote the growth of branches, making the flowers more abundant. However, light pruning can also be done in other seasons.
Precautions for spring pruning
When pruning in spring, try to keep branches with unopened flower buds, and promptly remove dead or poorly growing branches after flowering. At this time, you can also perform shaping pruning to adjust the tree's structure.
Precautions for summer pruning
Summer is a peak growth period for osmanthus. It is not advisable to over-prune at this time to avoid affecting its normal growth. However, you can appropriately shorten overly vigorous branches to promote the growth of lateral branches.
Precautions for autumn pruning
Excessive pruning is also not advisable in autumn; it is sufficient to clean up fallen leaves and dead branches. If necessary, simple shaping pruning can also be done.
Choice of pruning tools
When pruning, we need to choose the right tools. For thick trunks and branches, electric shears can be chosen; for smaller branches, scissors or pruning knives can be used. Tools should be disinfected before use to prevent bacterial infection.
Pruning techniques
When pruning, adjust according to the shape of the crown and your own needs. For vigorously growing branches, you can shorten them to promote lateral branch growth; for overly dense branches, they should be spaced appropriately; if branches are crossed or overlapping, they should be pruned in time.
Aftercare after pruning
After pruning, attention should be paid to watering the osmanthus appropriately to maintain suitable humidity. In addition, a moderate amount of fertilizer can be sprayed to promote nutrient absorption and make the osmanthus healthier.
Benefits of pruning
Timely pruning can make the osmanthus healthier and more robust, promote the branching growth of flowers, resulting in a longer flowering period and more beautiful flowers. At the same time, it can also adjust the tree's structure to make the osmanthus more aesthetically pleasing.
Drawbacks of pruning
Improper pruning can have negative effects on the osmanthus. For example, over-pruning can cause stress responses in the osmanthus, affecting its normal growth; excessive pruning can also lead to nutritional imbalance, affecting the flowering period and the quality of the flowers.
Common pruning mistakes
Common pruning mistakes include: over-pruning, incomplete pruning, improper pruning time, and using unsuitable tools. These mistakes will adversely affect the growth of the osmanthus, so we must be careful when pruning.
Pruning precautions
When pruning, pay attention to the following points: choose the right time, disinfect before pruning, adjust the pruning plan according to the crown shape, avoid over-pruning, and handle the pruning cuts in a timely manner.
Common problems with osmanthus
Common problems with osmanthus include: pests, diseases, and malnutrition. These problems will have a negative impact on the growth of the osmanthus, and we need to take timely measures for treatment.
Care tips for osmanthus
In addition to pruning, we can take other measures to care for the osmanthus. For example: watering in a timely manner, fertilizing, and clearing drainage pipes. These measures can help the osmanthus grow healthier.
The best time to prune four-season osmanthus is in winter, but light pruning can also be done in other seasons. When pruning, pay attention to pruning techniques and precautions to avoid common pruning mistakes. If done correctly, pruning can promote the healthy growth of the osmanthus and make the flowers more beautiful.