When is the best time to prune osmanthus?

The sweet-scented osmanthus tree is loved by people for its fragrant flowers. However, many gardening enthusiasts are often confused about the pruning of osmanthus trees. Let’s learn and understand together when is the best time to prune osmanthus?

When is the best time to prune osmanthus?

Osmanthus trees can be pruned throughout the year, especially when encountering pests and diseases, diseased branches need to be cut off in time to prevent the spread. In order to minimize damage to the osmanthus tree, large-scale pruning is best carried out in January and February, which is the dormant period of the osmanthus tree. Never prune the osmanthus tree when it is about to bloom, as this may affect the normal opening of the flowers and even make it difficult for the plant to survive.

Key points for osmanthus maintenance in summer

1. Avoid pruning in summer

Summer is not the best time to prune osmanthus trees. Because osmanthus usually blooms in autumn, if it is pruned in summer, the new shoots may not mature in autumn, affecting flowering. The best time to prune is in the spring or fall after flowering, which allows the branches to age sufficiently during the summer and be ready for fall flowering.

2. Choose the right fertilizer

Spring is the time when osmanthus trees grow new branches. In summer, these new branches need fertilizer to promote hardening and aging. Using high-phosphorus and high-potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, can help branch aging and flower bud differentiation. It is recommended to fertilize every 10 to 15 days at a low concentration to maintain healthy growth and avoid root burn.

3. Adequate lighting

Osmanthus trees need sufficient sunlight for effective photosynthesis to promote branch aging and flower bud differentiation. If osmanthus is placed in a dark place in summer, the leaves may become lighter in color, the branches may become thin and weak, and the flowering in autumn may be affected. Make sure the osmanthus tree receives sufficient light in the summer, and keep the soil moist to prevent the leaves from being sunburned or wilting.

In summary, summer is a critical period for the maintenance of osmanthus trees. Correct pruning timing, reasonable fertilizer use and sufficient light are prerequisites for ensuring the healthy growth of osmanthus trees and blooming in autumn.