Pruning spring flowers can be a lot of fun and the results of your hard work can be magnificent; it does takes practice and time, plus it is really good for the future growth of the Spring Flowers.
The chances that you will kill the Spring Flowers is highly unlikely even if you do not give them the most expert pruning; it is much more ideal to learn how to prune Spring Flowers than letting them just grow as they please.
Here the Spring Flowers of focus will be the: Cardinal Flower, Hydrangea, Black-Eyed Susan, Delphinium and Asters.
When to Prune Spring Flowers
It is important to get your Spring Flowers ready for Spring, it is a good idea to prune flowers back a couple inches depending on the Spring Flower, the amounts may vary a bit. The reason pruning flowers back a couple inches is important because the pruning will help to promote growth in the spring flowers thus giving a fuller and lush look. I have also found that depending on the type of winter my area is having, the time of the season I prune flowers will vary.
If you live in the warmer climates and there is not as much concern in regards to the winter elements, then waiting until later Fall to prune Spring Flowers is sufficient. In general in regards to Spring Flowers, waiting until the flowers start to fade out is a good time to prune flowers. However, when the flowers start to bloom in the Spring, I do some minor flower pruning just to make sure the plant is fresh and at its best.
This is where experience and time comes in to play, because you need to get familiar with your Spring flowers and know by looking at the buds and when the flowers fade to prune flowers is the appropriate time. Pruning flowers too early could cause the Spring flowers to not grow as well in the following season because of the winter elements affecting growth of the Spring Flowers.
However, if you wait too long and your Spring Flowers may not be able to provide as much nutrients to the new growth as there is old growth still on the flower. The best way to tell if pruning flowers is the ideal time is by observing the buds and when the flowers start to fade, it is the time to prune. It is also a great time to give your flowers a little refresher by digging up the dirt around the Spring Flowers to loosen the area up and adding fertilizer if you choose to do so.
How to Prune Spring Flowers
A clean and sharp set of scissor or hand clippers are of the utmost importance and making sure that the scissors or clippers are continuously cleaned as it is very important to the health of the Spring Flowers and prevention is the key. The cutting should be done at an angle and slanted, you want to always make sure you are making quick and clean cuts. Pruning flowers should be done with care as flowers are more delicate than trees or bushes, it is a good idea to prune flowers that are stray and wiry looking.
Pruning Spring Flowers is not hard, again it just takes time and practice. The results of your time and practice will eventually pay off as you will have beautiful and full Spring Flowers each season
Sources:
Self-experiences
