How to prune potted osmanthus flowers
Potted sweet-scented osmanthus is a classic plant used in courtyard landscaping, and its pruning technology is directly related to the flowering quality and beautiful plant type. Mastering scientific pruning methods can not only promote flower bud differentiation, but also create tree structures with great ornamental value. This article will help flower friends create a fragrant osmanthus bonsai by analyzing the key points of pruning in the four seasons and combining it with the practical operation diagram. 1. Basics of modeling during the seedling period 1.1 Principle of main stem shaping During the seedling period, we need to focus on cultivating the advantages of the main stem, and remove the side buds that exceed the growth rate of the main branch in time. When the main stem reaches 40cm, picking is carried out to promote the germination of 3-5 primary branches in the lower part, forming a basic skeleton of "three prongs and nine tops". 1.2 Branch angle control retains branches at an angle of 45-60 degrees to the trunk, and uses aluminum wires to assist in shaping. Parallel branches and crossing branches need to be cut off from the base to ensure uniform light on each branch. 2. Fine management during the growth period 2.1 Techniques for thinning branches and light transmission are used in spring and summer: the "removing three and leaving seven" pruning method is used: 30% of the total number of dense branches are cut off, focusing on removing inner branches and overlapping branches. The spacing between reserved branches should be kept at 10-15cm to form an umbrella-shaped structure with "sparse inside and dense outside". 2.2 In the long branch treatment, the long branches exceeding 30cm are shortened and 3-4 pairs of bud points are retained. The incision should be located 0.5cm above the leaf buds, with a 45-degree slope to avoid stagnant water. 3. Nutritional control during flowering period 3.1 Selective pruning of flower branches, keep biennial branches with uniform flowers during the bud appearing period, and prune blind branches with undifferentiated flower buds. Each inflorescence retains 3-5 main pedicels, and excessively dense buds should be removed at intervals. 3.2 Time to clean up residual flowers, start pruning batch by batch 7 days after the flowers bloom, and retain 1cm of pedicels to promote wound healing. At the same time, cut off old yellowed leaves to reduce nutrient consumption. 4. Key to winter plastic shaping 4.1 After adjusting the skeleton structure, adopt the "one main body and three auxiliary bodies" pruning method: retain 1 main body and 3 main branches, and the retained length of auxiliary branches shall not exceed 15cm. Apply healing agent to the incision to prevent frostbite. 4.2 Coordinated root pruning combined with pot change to trim dense fibrous roots, and cut off old roots with a diameter of>0.5cm. The root-to-shoot ratio is controlled at about 1:2 to ensure balanced growth above and below ground.
Through the organic combination of four-season pruning and appropriate water and fertilizer management, potted osmanthus can maintain a healthy growth of 15-20cm per year. It is recommended to use sharp Japanese-style scissors and spray carbendazim solution after pruning to prevent disease. Regularly observe the growth status of branches and gradually cultivate high-quality bonsai with clear layers and strong fragrance.