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.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service

 

Topics

  • Last Updated Dec 13, 2024
  • Views 719
  • Answered By Plant Information

FAQ Actions

Was this helpful? 0 0

Ask a plant expert

Send us an email or use the question form below.

plantinfo@nybg.org
plantinfo@nybg.org

Submit a question

Before submitting your question, try searching our Plant and Gardening FAQ page and Help Guides. Still need help? Fill out the form below and a plant expert will answer your individual plant and gardening questions. We will respond to questions in the order we receive them.

Your Question
Your Info
Fields marked with * are required.