Osmanthus Pruning Time and Methods
As one of the top ten famous flowers in Chinese tradition, osmanthus is deeply loved for its rich fragrance and evergreen characteristics throughout the seasons. To maintain the beautiful shape and strong fragrance of the osmanthus tree, scientific pruning techniques are particularly crucial. Mastering the correct timing and methods of pruning not only promotes the healthy growth of the plant but also enhances the quality of flowering.
I. Optimal Timing for Osmanthus Pruning
1. Pruning in the Germination Stage (March-April)
The early spring germination stage is a key period for shaping, and pruning at this time can stimulate the growth of lateral buds. It is recommended to retain the main stem 30-50cm, remove crossing and weak branches, and pay attention to保留 outward-growing bud points to form an umbrella-shaped canopy.
2. Pruning After Flowering (October-November)
Within 7 days after the flowers fade, it is necessary to clear the remaining flowers, as the plant begins to store nutrients for overwintering. Focus on pruning diseased and dense branches, and retain the healthy branches of the current year, with the pruning amount not exceeding 1/3 of the total branches.
3. Pruning in Dormancy (January-February)
After the leaves fall in winter, reshaping and heavy pruning can be carried out as needed. At this time, you can shorten the rapid-growing branches, thin out the inner branches, and pay attention to保留 3-5 bud points at the base, and apply wound healing agent promptly after pruning.
II. Advanced Osmanthus Pruning Guide
1. Tool Disinfection Treatment
Wipe the pruning shears with alcohol before use. For cuts with a diameter over 2cm, it is recommended to use a special fruit tree saw to avoid tearing the bark and causing diseases.
2. Principle of Graded Pruning
Follow the principle of 'removing the weak and retaining the strong, removing the straight and retaining the oblique'. The main branches should retain 45-degree oblique branches, secondary branches should maintain a spacing of 30-40cm, and tertiary branches should be controlled at 15-20cm.
3. Special Shaping Pruning
For a spherical shape, the top should be slightly dense, for a "candy cane" shape, regularly remove the suckers from the rootstock, and for ancient-style penjing, it is recommended to use the Lingnan method of cutting and storing branches.
Scientific pruning management can keep the osmanthus ventilated and well-lit, and extend the flowering period. It is recommended to combine fertilization care, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers before flowering, and apply decomposed organic fertilizers after pruning. Regularly observe the plant's condition and adjust the pruning intensity for different varieties (such as golden osmanthus, red osmanthus) to let the sweet autumn fragrance linger on the branches year after year.