How to Trim Gardenia Bushes
Though gardenias are most famous for their stunning white flowers, they are actually a type of flowering shrub. There are nearly 250 different species of gardenia worldwide, and many of them can grow to be large and unruly. Like most trees and shrubs, gardenias can benefit from occasional pruning. If your gardenia is a manageable size, has no broken limbs or signs of disease and seems to be healthy, then you might not need to prune. A light pruning, however, can be beneficial for most gardenia plants, allowing better air and sun circulation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Hold the branch you are about to cut with one hand toward the outside of the tree, where the branch is less stable, and use your other hand to clip near the base of the branch. Prune at a 45-degree angle, and cut away any diseased, damaged or broken branches, being sure to make a clean cut.
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Look for old branches and cut ones that seem like they might be impeding young branches. You can recognize older branches by their larger size and "woodiness." You might need to use a handsaw for thicker branches.
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Lightly rinse your pruning shears with disinfectant after cutting a diseased branch. This will keep potential infection from spreading onto the healthy branches you are about to trim.
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For a more classic tree shape, leave about four thick branches at the bottom of the tree, and lightly trim the upper branches. You can cut about a third of the branches.
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Remove any splinters or jagged pieces of bark away from the cuts you have just made. This will help keep the wound clean and free of pests.
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Tips & Warnings
Prune your gardenia in the summer once the flowers are beginning to wilt. This is usually around late July. Gardenia buds form in the fall, and you don't want to risk sniping off new buds. Pruning your gardenia during hot summer months will allow it to recover before moisture can seep in during fall and winter.
It's essential to use sharp shears that will make a clean cut. If you hack away at a branch, you'll be left with a jagged cut that is prone to infection and disease. Wear thick gloves when pruning, as branches can easily splinter and cut you. Do not prune the branches of any tree or shrub that is near or touching power lines.
