Pruning Dwarf Nandina

Jeff,
Could you please tell me how and when to prune dwarf nandina?
Dot S.
Batesville

Dot, Dwarf Nandina are tough plants that require little attention. That is something I really like! We like to use them in landscapes because of their winter color.

If the Dwarf Nandina plant looks good, then I would selectively thin out 1/3 to 1/2 of the canes close to the soil line. Then give them a little fertilizer in the spring and watch 'em grow. The pruned canes will produce new growth this spring and will give you a nice full plant.

Dwarf Nandina can handle rejuvenation pruning or severe pruning of all the canes. If you feel this is needed, I would prune all the canes down to the soil line late winter or early spring, and then fertilize in the spring.

Thanks for your comment!
Jeff McManus

What would you do to this crape myrtle tree? Would you move it, cut it back off the roof line, cut it down about half way? Let me know what you would do.

Pruning for value

Are you pruning your beautiful landscape investment correctly? Think of the great joy those plants bring year after year and the confidence you will have when pruning correctly.

Join us at the Oxford Library Saturday Feb. 5th at 11am for a live pruning class and lots of demonstrations. Bring your clippers, your questions and your insight! I hope to see you there. Mention this blog to me Saturday and get a free prize. Remember we are always planting to grow! Jeff

Are you excited about spring time coming? Me too. Do you know what you should be pruning this time of year? Did your plants not bloom last year? What do you think happened? If you prune your azaleas now in January, you are cutting off the blooms that will be the flowers this spring. Timing is very important.

There is a time and season for everything, especially in the yard landscape. Join me February 5th at 11 a.m. at the Oxford Library as I will discussing and showing you how and when to prune.