Essential Information
Lantanas are vivacious and versatile bush that add a splash of color to any garden . However , to maintain theiroptimal healthand appearance , steady pruning is essential . This comprehensive guide will supply you with all the necessary cognition and techniques to in effect prune yourlantana plants , ensuring they thrive and flower extravagantly .
Understanding Lantana Growth Habits
Before pruning , it ’s important to empathize thegrowth habitsof lantana . Theseshrubs tendtogrow quicklyand can become long-shanked or overgrown if not in good order managed . Pruning encourages bushier development , advance flowering , and controls their size of it and shape .
Choosing the Right Pruning Tools
The option of pruning tools depends on the size and age of your lantana plants . For lowly plant , piercing mitt shearswill serve . For big orolder plant , loppers orpruning sawsmay be necessary . Ensure your tools are unclouded and sharp to understate any wrong to the plant .
When to Prune Lantana
The ideal time to prune lantana is in late winter orearly natural spring , before the new growth begin . This allows the plant life to recover and produce a flush of new shoots and flowers . However , you may alsoprune lightlythroughout the growing season toremove deador pathologic ontogeny .
Step-by-Step Pruning Instructions
1 . Remove Dead or pathologic Growth : Start by cutting away any idle , morbid , ordamaged branches . Use keen shears or lopper tomake clean cutsjust above a healthy leaf node.2 . Prune for Shape and Size : Determine the desired figure and size of it of yourlantana flora . Remove any branches that extend beyond the trust outline . reduce back long , leggy branch to promote bushier growth.3 . Encourage Flowering : Toencourage abundant unfolding , prune back spent flower heads . This stir new increment and flower production.4 . Remove Crossing or fret Branches : Identify any branches that traverse or rub against each other . hit one of the branches toprevent damageand improve airflow.5 . Thin Out Overcrowded Areas : If yourlantana planthas become overcrowded , fragile out spare branches to amend light incursion andair circulation . This will cut the risk of disease and boost good for you growth.6 . Rejuvenate Old Plants : Forolder lantana plantsthat have become overgrown or leggy , a rejuvenation pruning may be necessary . Cut back theentire plantto within 6 - 12 in of the earth . This will stimulate vigorous new maturation and rejuvenate the plant .
Aftercare Tips
1 . water supply on a regular basis : After pruning , water yourlantana plants deeplytoencourage recoveryand growth.2 . feed : Apply abalanced fertilizeraround the base of the plant after crop toprovide nutrientsfor new growth.3 . Mulch : Spread a layer of organic mulch around the basis of the works toretain moisture , suppress weeds , and regulate stain temperature .
Basics You Wanted To Know
1 . How often should I prune my lantana?Prune lightly throughout thegrowing seasontoremove deador morbid growth , and more heavily inlate winteror early fountain to encourage unexampled growth and flowering.2 . Can Iprune lantanain the summer?Light pruning can be done in the summer to remove spent blossom heads and maintain thedesired shape . Avoid heavy pruning during this time as it can reduce flowering.3 . How low can I cut back lantana?Forrejuvenation pruning , you cancut backtheentire plantto within 6 - 12 inches of the ground.4 . What should I do with the pruned branches?Dispose ofpruned branch properlyby compost or toss out them in the trash.5 . Can Iprune lantanainto a specific shape?Yes , you canprune lantanaintotopiary shapessuch as spheres , pyramids , or spiral . However , itrequires regular maintenanceand patience .
