Mahonia pruning - Ask Extension
Ten-year old Mahonia (Mahonia japonica), approx. 10 feet tall, situated in full sun, southwest side of house. Apparently a healthy plant. Two photos s...
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Mahonia pruning #241470
Asked May 04, 2015, 10:34 AM EDT
Ten-year old Mahonia (Mahonia japonica), approx. 10 feet tall, situated in full sun, southwest side of house. Apparently a healthy plant. Two photos show it as of 5/4/2015. I'd like to prune back the longest branches, if this advisable, or is pruning not a desirable option. If O.K. to prune, 1) when?, and 2) how rigorously to prune?
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Mahonias are tough plants. They actually prefer and do their best in part to full shade, but yours look happy enough.
Pruning is fine, in fact it is suggested to renew the plant over time by removing the oldest stems to the ground yearly. The best time for pruning is now through July, and you can certainly trim back the taller stems to tidy up the shape of the plant.
cm
Pruning is fine, in fact it is suggested to renew the plant over time by removing the oldest stems to the ground yearly. The best time for pruning is now through July, and you can certainly trim back the taller stems to tidy up the shape of the plant.
cm
