How can I prune my potted gardenias?

My gardenia is 50 years old and looks like a large, very dense bush. How to best to prune?

Answer

I expect that your gardenia plant is very over grown by now. If so, you will probably want to do some drastic pruning.


Cut back about a third of the branches down to the trunk. Prune the remaining branches lightly to shape the plant. Make a cut at a 45 degree angle close to a side branch or bud.  Repeat this every year for the next two years. Any dead wood should also be removed. After that prune it lightly to keep the shape.  


A hand-held pruner should be suitable unless the branches are very thick in which case you will want to use a lopper. It is a good idea to sterilize the blades of the pruner with rubbing alcohol first.  The best time to prune is immediately after flowering.


- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service

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  • Last Updated Dec 06, 2024
  • Views 910
  • Answered By Plant Information

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