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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - June 23, 2006
From: Chisholm,, MN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Pruning, Shrubs
Title: Pruning of Hamelia patens, Firebush
Answered by: Joe Marcus and Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a Hamelia Patens (Fire Bush) it says it will grow to 12 feet high and 5-6 feet across. Can I keep pruning it to about 5 feet without damaging the shrub?ANSWER:
Firebush (Hamelia patens) responds very well to pruning. The best time to prune is in late winter/early spring before it begins putting on new growth. The plant rarely grows to more than about 8' if left to its own devices, but I wouldn't be surprised to see 12-footers in ideal locations. Pruning in the summer will remove a lot of flower buds, but it can be done safely.
More Pruning Questions
Removal of honeysuckle bushes from Coaldale Alberta Canada
July 30, 2010 - I have 2 honeysuckle bushes that I want to get rid of. I am wondering if Honeysuckle bushes have very deep roots (are they hard to dig out?) I am 70 years old and didn't know if I'd be able to dig ...
view the full question and answer
Seeds of agave attenuata from San Diego CA
April 16, 2012 - After the agave attenuata bloom dried up there are seeds like thing hanging on the foxtail; do I leave it until it dies or do I chop that down. Are those seeds for propagation. The leaves of the plan...
view the full question and answer
Cutting back perennials in PA
July 25, 2011 - Can you pinch back echinacea in the spring to produce a shorter plant? I have some that get too tall and fall over.
view the full question and answer
Optimal time for trimming Fall asters
July 04, 2014 - RE: fall asters
What is the latest date in the summer that I can trim my fall asters and still get a good amount of blooms in October?
view the full question and answer
Non-native pomegranate failing to fruit from Highland Village TX
October 20, 2012 - Last spring I planted a pomegranate tree (type: Wonderful) which is supposed to produce edible fruit. It had 5 or 6 absolutely beautiful blooms, but each of them dropped off and no sign of fruit. Is...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |