Lord Baltimore

My Lord Baltimore has big dry sticks , about 10 or more, looking ugly in my garden. They appear dead and hollow. Can I cut those canes off? If I remember, he should grow new growth from the bottom and not on these old dry stalks.

thanks,
J

I'd cut them mostly but not all the way to the ground. I would take the first cut about two feet up, then work my way down to see that I was surely cutting dead cane. All this investigation on the first cane, and the rest of the canes to just above any live 'wood'.

Does that sound right? I hate looking at dead plants, too.

Melissa

Thank you so much, Melissa. If it wasn't pouring down rain today, I would do it right now.
Judy

you can cut it back. the new groth comes from the bottom

Growth comes from the ground and Lord Baltimore....at least mine...shows up as the last perennial plant in my garden to emerge. I'd cut it back to 1 to 2 inches from the ground.

He is just making his grand entrance into my garden now. I'm glad I left the supporting ring in place so I knew where he was. Thanks for all the tips.
Judy

Hooray! Very happy for you. Probably taking his time because of the wacky winter.

Say, what size are the oak tree leaves? That could be a yearly indicator of when it'll sprout.

Melissa