Brutal pruning for fun and profit

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greenjay Centennial, CO(Zone 5b) Oct 03, 2006

I have a number of shrubs that will need "restorative" pruning this spring or winter (due to past year's winter damage, neglect by the landscaping company, vandalism). Species include potentilla, japanese spirea, quince, viburnum, lilacs, forsythia, a few probable siberian dogwoods, pyracanthus, and potentially a philadelphus (Mock Orange). I already know that the best way to get a forsythia back under control is to cut it all the way down and let it come back naturally from the crown. But what about the others?

I know I'm not the only one who really wants to know how to do this without killing a perfectly good shrub.

Post #2781025
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vossner East Texas, United States(Zone 8a) Oct 03, 2006

I'll speak about the only one I know: pyracantha. prune away!

here's a little extra info: http://www.arcadian-archives.com/pyracantha.htm

This message was edited Oct 2, 2006 11:15 PM

Post #2781052
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greenjay Centennial, CO(Zone 5b) Oct 03, 2006

I have never seen a pyracantha pruned as a climber. We just had to have one removed that had been allowed to get 10' high and 10' wide. A giant BRICK of thorns blocking 2 windows on a lower unit and well on its way to the second floor. it is now resting comfortably as mulch in a pile of 10 cu. yards of shredded juniper. mourners may send flowers or donations to the Get Greenjay some Skingrafts fund.

Post #2781067
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vossner East Texas, United States(Zone 8a) Oct 03, 2006

well, I ended up completely removing it because I couldn't deal w/ the wicked thorns. however, I do miss the berries, which I always associated with autumn in my area. But previous to that, my husband pruned it severely every two years, and it always came back.

Post #2781072
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greenjay Centennial, CO(Zone 5b) Oct 03, 2006

Well that's good to know. I am intrigued by the idea of training it up a wall without the brick-like hedge character, but I just don't know where I would be able to do it.

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runktrun Edgartown, MA(Zone 7a) Oct 03, 2006

I had espaliered four pyracantha up a the north side of my home. The berries held on well into winter (even the birds didn't want anything to do with the thorns) but the fast growth meant constant pruning and skin grafts. I'll take a rose thorn any day. kt

Post #2781205
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PrairieGirlZ5 Thornton, IL Oct 05, 2006

The one I know for sure that LOVES hard pruning is the spirea, whack it back! It will have bigger leaves and flowers on the fresh new growth.

Post #2786874
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greenjay Centennial, CO(Zone 5b) Oct 05, 2006

cool. somehow that is EXACTLY what I wanted to hear about the spirea....

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