Frequently Asked Questions
~ your horticulture questions answered ~​
ROSES
Q: I watched a landscaping team trim my neighbor's shrub roses with a gas-powered hedge trimmer. I've never seen this before, is this acceptable practice?
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A: No. Roses of any kind - tea hybrids, floribundas, or even shrub roses - shouldn't be pruned with a hedge trimmer. Roses are delicate yet complex plants susceptible to disease and other issues when pruned incorrectly. It's important to use sanitized, freshly sharpened hand pruners to prevent disease spread and to ensure clean cuts. Rose pruning requires discerning, angled cuts based on old versus new growth within each plant, and cuts should be made at an angle specific to each cane. In other words, each cut is an individual, measured and deliberate act. While this takes longer than a hedge trimmer, the result is a healthier, happier rose plant with increased summer flowering.
CREPE MYRTLES
Q: I've noticed that some of my neighbors have cut back their crepe myrtles hard, almost to the trunk. Is this how I should have mine pruned?
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A: Some believe that aggressively pruning this Richmond favorite has benefits, including keeping a smaller size or neater appearance and encouraging earlier and more prolific blooms come spring. We'd argue hard pruning has no benefit and may actually cause harm to your tree. Late winter (February or March) is the best time, and we recommend a light pruning - removing small or crossing branches or branches that grow inward (toward the trunk instead of upward and outward). Removal of seed pods or snipping the ends of branches can make for a neater appearance and can be done without harming the tree. Pruning to affect overall tree size is not recommended. The cultivar will determine whether it will tower above you or remain compact. Choosing wisely during the design phase is your best bet and will reward you in spades for years to come.
Have a question you'd like answered? hello (at) RVA Gardens (dot) com