How to prune Osmanthus fragrans 'Rixiang Gui'? A detailed guide to the correct pruning method

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

It can be pruned at any time. Just go by its growth condition: you can cut off the upper branches to encourage the lower branches to grow. You can keep the thin, slender branches so that their thickness is more even, and pull the dense branches apart to make the crown larger.

I. How to prune

1. How to prune should be decided according to its growth condition. If its trunk is relatively tall and the tree shape is not very attractive, you can cut off all the branches at two-thirds of the trunk to make the trunk grow more new shoots. If the crown is relatively sparse but the growth is relatively vigorous, you can cut off the thick, strong upper branches and instead keep the thin, slender ones, so that all the branches can grow in a more balanced way. If there are relatively many branches and they are not growing very robustly, carefully thin them out, keeping some branches moderately so that they grow stronger.

2. Its ability to sprout new branches is relatively strong, so it is very suitable for pruning. If it is potted, you cannot let it grow freely. You should cut off the tops of the branches on its upright trunk to make the lower part of the trunk grow more branches, which can make the crown larger and the branches stronger. If the main branches are relatively dense, you can pull them apart a little so that the tree can spread out and the crown can keep expanding. If you want to make it into a stump bonsai, generally after five to eight years you can prune out an attractive shape.

II. Care after pruning

1. Watering

After pruning, water it thoroughly once; it should be alternately dry and moist. If there is too much water, its roots will rot. Do not water it with alkaline water.

2. Fertilizing

Because it keeps blooming, it consumes a great deal of nutrients, so give it more phosphorus fertilizer to help it bloom. After pruning, you can give it nitrogen fertilizer to promote the growth of branches and leaves. The fertilizer concentration can be relatively low, but the number of fertilizer applications must be sufficient. Normally you can give it some organic fertilizer. Fertilizing should be done together with watering; generally, apply fertilizer once each time it blooms.

3. Light and temperature

In summer, shade it; only about 20 percent light is enough. To keep it blooming continuously, increase the light in winter. It blooms normally within a temperature range of 2 to 22 degrees. If it is too hot during the height of summer, you can sprinkle some water on the leaves to lower the temperature and increase humidity. If it is too cold in winter, keep it warm.