Flowering quince plants are known for their beautiful display of colorful and fragrant flowers during springtime. However, to maintain the health and growth of these plants, pruning is essential. Pruning helps in removing diseased or dead branches, shaping the plant’s structure, and promoting new growth.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to correctly prune flowering quince plants to ensure they remain healthy and vibrant.
When to Prune Flowering Quince Plants
The best time to prune flowering quince plants is usually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This timing allows for a clear view of the plant’s structure without any foliage obstructing it. It also minimizes any damage caused by pruning on new shoots that may have started emerging.
Tools Required for Pruning Flowering Quince Plants
Before starting your pruning activity, make sure you have all necessary tools ready with you. The following tools are essential when pruning your flowering quince:
1) Gloves: Use gloves while pruning to protect your hands from sharp thorns that might be present on some varieties of flowering quinces.
2) Hand pruners: Choose quality hand pruners with sharp blades that can comfortably cut through branches up to ¾ inch in diameter.
3) Loppers: For thicker branches larger than ¾ inches in diameter, use loppers with longer handles.
4) Saw: In case of very thick or woody stems measuring over 2 inches in diameter; use a saw instead of loppers.
Steps Involved in Pruning Flowering Quince Plants
Step #1: Remove deadwood
Start by inspecting your plant closely and looking out for any dead or damaged wood. Cut off these parts first as they are not going to grow back again but will consume valuable nutrients from the healthy parts unnecessarily.
Step #2: Remove old wood
Next step involves removing older matured stems at ground level every three to four years. This helps in promoting new growth and rejuvenates the plant.
Step #3: Thin out crowded branches
If your flowering quince plant is overcrowded with too many branches, it’s time for some thinning. Remove a few of the oldest and thickest stems at the base to encourage air circulation and light penetration into the inner parts of the plant.
Step #4: Shape your flowering quince
For aesthetic purposes or controlling size, shape your flowering quince plants according to your liking. Trim back any wayward shoots or limbs that are spoiling the desired structure of your shrub.
Step #5: Cut back long shoots
If you want bushier and more compact looking shrubs, cut back longer stems by up to one-third their original length after blooming season during summer months.
Conclusion
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy flowering quince plants for both ornamental as well as fruiting varieties. It promotes new growth while ensuring old or damaged wood doesn’t interfere with nutrient uptake from roots into remaining parts of the shrub. By following these steps above mentioned steps, you can easily prune your flowering quince plants like a pro!
