I am pruning an enkianthus - should I cut off water shoots?

The enkianthus looked like it was dying, so my husband cut it back dramatically last spring. It came back, but the new growth was mostly water shoots. Do I leave? Cut them out?

Answer

Watersprouts will emerge following an overzealous dormant season pruning job; sometimes it’s best to leave one or two of these, particularly as a replacement for the leader if it was cut, to discourage regrowth of the others.  Enkianthus usually needs little pruning, although can be pruning hard as for Rhododendron, which needs little formative pruning. Remove dead, diseased and damaged wood. Help here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mj1W0cdavI

Hope this helps.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service

 

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  • Last Updated Feb 04, 2021
  • Views 519
  • Answered By Plant Information

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