Pruning a Pyracantha Mohave
The Pyracantha Mohave, also known as the Mohave firethorn or simply firethorn, is a large evergreen shrub. It produces softly scented white flowers and small red fruits that conceal sharp thorns on its branches. It is common as a hedge, a barrier plant or a decorative centerpiece in a garden plot. The plant can grow quickly and often requires pruning every one or two years to control its size and remove unhealthy sections. You must take care for your, and the plant’s, safety when pruning a Pyracantha Mohave. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Put on a pair of thick leather gloves to protect your hands from the sharp thorns. Gloves that extend past your wrist or up to your elbow provide the best protection from the Pyracantha Mohave.
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Cut away branches of the Pyracantha Mohave with visible black scabs covering the leaves and berries. This is known as Pyracantha scab; remove all affected areas. Cut dead or damaged branches away while you work, leaving only healthy sections of the Pyracantha Mohave.
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Trim the plant to the size you would like with the pruning shears. Ideally, you should not remove areas that produce flowers, as this indicates the branch is more than two years old. Stop and look at the Pyracantha Mohave when you have made significant pruning progress to determine if you want to keep going. It typically responds well to heavy pruning if you must cut back a large amount of overgrowth.
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Tips & Warnings
The Pyracantha Mohave is a hardy plant and pruning can be done any time of the year. If you are keeping a hedge shape maintained, you can prune it up to three times per year.
Fertilizer, available from your local plant nursery, helps the Pyracantha Mohave recover after pruning. Tomato fertilizer in particular supplies it with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Apply the fertilizer approximately 3 feet out from the Pyracantha Mohave’s branches in all directions to ensure the roots are fed.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
