Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - May 29, 2008
From: deltona, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Pruning of Bauhinia lunarioides
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a Bauhinia variegata..when is the best time to prune it? it tends to grow horizontally..where do you clip off the limbs?ANSWER:
We did some pretty extensive hunting, and the only reference to pruning as regards Bauhinia lunarioides (Texasplume) was to "prune as necessary," which isn't real informative. We couldn't find any indication that pruning at the wrong time would affect flowering. In the absence of better information, we would recommend any pruning you felt was needed be done in the Winter, when plants are more nearly dormant. We also feel that this plant is much lovelier in its natural state, with multiple trunks, and an open appearance. Pruning to shape would really not be beneficial nor as attractive, in our opinion. If you were anxious to prune your plant into a tree, you would have to start pruning lower branches as they emerged, selecting a main branch or "leader" as your trunk. Of course, you would always want to prune off damaged or dead branches.
From the Image Gallery
More Pruning Questions
Clipping of beans from newly planted Tecoma stans
April 22, 2008 - I purchased a Esperanza Plant in a pot from a nursery in April of 2008. We planted it and it is doing fine, but came with blooms and beans. Do I need to do clip or prune the beans at this stage of g...
view the full question and answer
Is Liatris spicata through blooming from Norman OK
July 26, 2011 - We have a Liatris spicata, I thought it was done blooming (dried tops), so I cut them off. Will it come back and bloom again? What can I do?
view the full question and answer
Trimming of penstemon after bloooming from Austin
April 30, 2012 - I planted a penstemon in my backyard last fall and it's doing great. Once the flowers have bloomed, do I cut the stalk back? It is about 2 ft tall and doesn't appear to be doing anything. I belie...
view the full question and answer
How can I control underground runners from from Pride of Houston Yaupons in Austin, TX?
July 16, 2010 - How can I control the underground runners from the Pride of Houston Yaupons?
view the full question and answer
Making Ruellia nudiflora thicker in pot from Tucson AZ
June 25, 2012 - Can Ruellia Nudiflora be propagated in the same pot as the parent plant?
Can it be cut back to stimulate a denser plant?
I have plants in several pots and would like to 'thicken' the plant.
Tha...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |