What are the methods for pruning and shaping flowers?

First, pruning:

For flowering shrubs that bloom in summer and autumn, such as crape myrtle, Chinese rose, and jasmine, their flower buds all grow on the current year's branches, so they can be pruned during the dormant period before bud break. Foliage plants can also be pruned during the dormant period. When pruning during the dormant period, those with strong cold tolerance can be pruned in late autumn and early winter; pruning too early is not advisable, as it may induce autumn shoots, which is unfavorable for flowering and fruiting the following year and for cold and frost resistance. For those sensitive to cold, pruning should be done in early spring when the sap begins to flow but before buds have sprouted. In addition, shaping flowering shrubs, cutting thick branches, or pruning for the purpose of renewal, and therefore requiring drastic pruning, should all be done during the dormant period. Pruning during the growth period of flowers is mostly for ventilation and light penetration, to remove diseased and pest-infested branches, water sprouts, or to regulate nutrition so that the flowers are more elegant, dense, and robust; the degree of pruning should generally be light. Also note that the bud at the cut should be kept on the outer side, so that the branch extends outward, and the cut should be made into a slope, with the retained bud on the opposite side of the cut. The top of the sloped cut should be slightly 1-2 mm higher than the retained bud, not too high or too low.

1. Tip pruning and pinching: Tip pruning and pinching is the work of removing the top of a growing shoot. If the branch has already hardened and scissors are needed, it is called tip pruning; if the branch is tender and the soft tip can be removed with the fingers, it is called pinching. The purpose of tip pruning and pinching is to inhibit upward growth, favor nutrient accumulation, make branch tissues more substantial, promote the sprouting of side branches, increase the number of flowering branches and flowers, or make the plant dwarf, the plant shape full, and flowering neat. For example, a large chrysanthemum can bear more than 3,000 flowers on one plant, which is the result of repeated pinching. In addition, pinching can also inhibit growth and delay the flowering period.

2. Bud removal: Bud removal is the removal of axillary buds, tender shoots, or flower buds of flowers, with the purpose of concentrating nutrients, promoting a straight and robust main stem, and making flowers large and colorful and fruits plump and full.

3. Thinning branches: To adjust the tree shape and facilitate ventilation and light penetration, dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, slender branches, parallel branches, water sprouts, densely growing branches, etc., are generally cut off. When thinning branches, the stub should not be too long, nor should it cut into the next lower-level branch; the upper cut starts at the branching point and is cut at a 45-degree angle, and the cut should be smooth. For flowering shrubs with weak sprouting ability, such as southern magnolia and white magnolia, the amount of branch thinning should be small.

4. Root pruning: Root pruning is mostly carried out during transplanting and repotting (changing pots). For example, when transplanting seedlings, the overly long main root is shortened to promote the growth of lateral roots. When potting or repotting flowers, moderate root pruning can inhibit excessive growth of branches and leaves and promote the formation of flower buds. Root pruning is generally carried out during the dormant period, but when the plant is excessively leggy, root cutting can also be done during the growth period.

5. Installing supports: Commonly known as tying frames (supports are commonly called frames). For cultivating climbing potted flowers such as climbing hydrangea, Chinese trumpet creeper, and wisteria, thin bamboo poles, reed stems, or thick galvanized wire should be used to tie supports, and the branches and vines should be tied so that they climb and grow, increasing the ornamental effect.

Second, shaping:

There are many forms of shaping, generally including single-stem form (such as single-stem chrysanthemum, single-stem dahlia, etc.), multi-stem form (such as crabapple, pomegranate, flowering peach, flowering plum, etc.), clumping form (such as broadleaf lady palm, heavenly bamboo, bamboo palm, etc.), and weeping form (such as cliff chrysanthemum, ivy, etc.). In short, according to needs and preferences, through artistic processing, careful refinement, and meticulous care, the desired goal is achieved.