If they're left unpruned, they can succumb to "wind rock" which basically blows them about and loosens the part where it meets the ground which can , in turn, cause root damage.
If left unpruned until Spring, some say it's a waste of the plant's energy as they try to produce buds at the tops of the shoots, then you come along and chop those bits off. Far better to have the energy go into forming buds on the pruned shoots.
Others will differ, but methinks that's the "winter pruning theory"
Thanks hosta. The reason I asked is that I've freed up some space behind a mature albertine and it's flopping about in the wrong direction so it's not practical to tie it to the fence. Would like to prune it right back and start again.
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If they're left unpruned, they can succumb to "wind rock" which basically blows them about and loosens the part where it meets the ground which can , in turn, cause root damage.
If left unpruned until Spring, some say it's a waste of the plant's energy as they try to produce buds at the tops of the shoots, then you come along and chop those bits off. Far better to have the energy go into forming buds on the pruned shoots.
Others will differ, but methinks that's the "winter pruning theory"
"tidying up" pruning can be done at any time.
Last edited: 30 August 2016 08:45:31
Thanks hosta. The reason I asked is that I've freed up some space behind a mature albertine and it's flopping about in the wrong direction so it's not practical to tie it to the fence. Would like to prune it right back and start again.
Might be a little early yet. It'll probably produce more flower as there's plenty of growing time before the colder weather.
H-C
It's got a few on it now so I'll wait a little while Hortum -but not long