How to prune gardenia after it withers

1. Cut off the remaining flowers

After the flowers wither, some of the dead flowers will remain on the branches. Although these have withered, they will still consume nutrients. Therefore, after the flowering is over, these dead flowers and buds need to be cut off in time to accumulate nutrients and promote the resumption of growth as soon as possible.

2. Shorten branches

During the growth process, many leggy branches may appear, and these branches need to be pruned short, and the annual flower branches need to be cut off to adjust the growth. The degree of pruning varies depending on the growth status. For young plants, they can be slightly pruned, while for adult plants, the degree of pruning can be heavier, which can stimulate the germination and growth of later lateral buds and improve the appearance.

3. Thinning branches

It has a strong growth potential. After the flowers wither, it is necessary to thin out the branches. Dead branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, crossed branches, overlapping branches, drooping branches, etc. should all be cut off. This will not only accumulate nutrients to promote growth, but also increase light transmittance.

4. Retract branches

This is also a method of pruning flower branches after the flowers have withered. It is mainly aimed at flower branches that are more than two years old. These branches need to be shortened appropriately to ensure the overall balance.