Friday, November 18, 2011

Will trimming a bridal wreath shrub stop it from flowering next year?

My flowers on the bridal wreath didn't last long this year, they all disappeared after our first heavy rain. The shrub has been growing very well, but I would like to know if I can trim the shrub to keep it shaped without jeopardizing the chance of getting flowers next year.

Will trimming a bridal wreath shrub stop it from flowering next year?
If you trim it now or in the fall you will be cutting off next year's flower buds (just like in lilacs). Many times I've seen lawn care people do this in the summer. Eventually, normal leafing returns, and the plant has a more pleasing shape, but the cascading blooming stems we hope for next year are gone.
Reply:It needs to be pruned right after it has finished flowering or yes you will be pruning off next springs flowers.
Reply:The only time you should not trim any flowering shrub is while it's flowering. To be kindest to the plant, trimming in the late fall (before the first freeze) would be best. The plant has shut down for the winter and sap is no longer flowing through it's branches. You can also trim in the very early spring, but be prepared for a lot of "bleeding" to occur because the new sap is rising. You should always make sure that you make all cuts straight across the branch. Cutting at an angle will stop the plant from closing off it's veins.
Reply:Spirea prunifolia (Bridalwreath) is a spring bloomer, and like most spring bloomers, it blooms on old wood. The time to prune this whole category of shrub is immediately after blooming. This way the shrub has all summer to produce wood that will make bloom next spring. At this point, you may want to wait until after next spring's flowering to prune.


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