Firecracker Plant Pruning - Ask Extension
I have a potted Firecracker plant. I planted it about two years ago but have not pruned it since. It is starting to look ragged. Should I prune ...
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Firecracker Plant Pruning #291441
Asked November 23, 2015, 12:29 PM EST
I have a potted Firecracker plant. I planted it about two years ago but have not pruned it since. It is starting to look ragged. Should I prune it back? If so, how much and when is the best time to do it? Will it come back for next growing season?
Pima County Arizona
Expert Response
Hi,
The firecracker shrub can be pruned in late winter/early spring to remove dead and damaged parts. Since the mature plant may be three to five feet tall and wide, you might consider putting it in a larger container or planting it in the ground where there is more room to grow. That way you wouldn't need to prune it back so much each year. In most cases, it is best to prune no more than 30% of a plant at one time and to selectively prune branches rather than shearing the whole plant back to a uniform height. In a situation like yours where you are basically renovating, you can prune more off with the understanding it might take a bit longer for the plant to recover from the pruning.
Peter
The firecracker shrub can be pruned in late winter/early spring to remove dead and damaged parts. Since the mature plant may be three to five feet tall and wide, you might consider putting it in a larger container or planting it in the ground where there is more room to grow. That way you wouldn't need to prune it back so much each year. In most cases, it is best to prune no more than 30% of a plant at one time and to selectively prune branches rather than shearing the whole plant back to a uniform height. In a situation like yours where you are basically renovating, you can prune more off with the understanding it might take a bit longer for the plant to recover from the pruning.
Peter
