How to prune osmanthus to bloom more
Osmanthus osmanthus is one of the top ten famous flowers in traditional China. Reasonable pruning is crucial to the control of flowering quantity and plant type. Scientific pruning can not only create beautiful tree shapes, but also regulate nutrient distribution and promote concentrated supply of nutrients to bud differentiation. Master the "five-step pruning method" to make your osmanthus blossom and fragrant every year. Analysis of core pruning steps 1. Compact branch precision cutting technology Osmanthus has the growth characteristics of "large branches and twigs", and dense branches that grow across each other need to be cut regularly. Use professional pruning shears to cut 45° oblique incisions, prioritize removing thin and weak branches with a diameter of less than 0.5 cm, and retain main branches with a spacing of more than 15cm. Pay special attention to the branch density in the center of the crown to ensure that the number of branches left per square meter does not exceed 20. 2. The overlapping twigs treatment plan should follow the principle of "retaining the strong and removing the weak" for twin twigs germinating at the same node of the main trunk. Select strong branches whose growth direction forms an angle of 60-90° from the main stem, and cut off weak branches that grow in parallel. It is recommended to complete pruning before lignification to avoid excessive wounds that affect the tree's strength. 3. Three-dimensional pruning of horizontal branches uses a high branch saw to treat disturbed branches that grow laterally, and it is better to keep the vertical projection area of the crown accounting for 70% of the growth space. Thoroughly cut off the horizontal branches growing inward, and the lateral horizontal branches can be kept with a 20-cm short section to stimulate the germination of lateral buds and form flowering new branches. 4. Parallel branches with a standard spacing of less than 5cm need to be selectively pruned to retain branches with the bud point at the base of the branch facing outwards. For perennial parallel old branches, girdling can be used to promote roots, and new roots can be separated and transplanted after germinating to achieve plant value added. 5. Top height control tips are carried out every spring to pick the top dominant branches and retain 3-4 pairs of leaves. For branches that have formed apex buds, use tip twisting techniques during the flower bud differentiation period (June to July) to twist the upright branches to horizontal growth, which can not only control the height but also promote the formation of axillary flower buds. Supporting maintenance points Apply wound healing agent immediately after pruning, and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (N-P-K=5-15-30). Keep the soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and promptly apply decomposed cake fertilizer after flowering, and the amount per square meter shall not exceed 500g. Potted osmanthus flowers are recommended to undergo root pruning every 2 years to stimulate capillary root regeneration.
Through systematic pruning management, the flowering quantity of osmanthus can be increased by more than 40%, and the plant height can be stably controlled at 2-3 meters. Remember the "three-look" principle: determine the tree shape by the variety, determine the intensity by the growth, and determine the time by the season. In the golden autumn season, let your osmanthus tree achieve the excellent landscape effect of "dense leaves and thousands of green layers, and thousands of yellow flowers blooming."