Andromeda pruning - Ask Extension
We like our andromeda but it has gotten out of hand. I try to keep it from blocking the walk and covering the window but when I do it leaves big bare ...
Knowledgebase
Andromeda pruning #605521
Asked November 05, 2019, 1:38 PM EST
We like our andromeda but it has gotten out of hand. I try to keep it from blocking the walk and covering the window but when I do it leaves big bare spots. Is it possible to shrink it.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Good morning. Andromeda will tolerate pruning, but these will always want to grow taller and it will take continuous management to keep them in bounds. If you have another location on your property, you might want to transplant them to where their height would not be a problem. Replace them with plants that will not block the window or walkway.
If you don't mind doing regular pruning on these, the best time to prune Andromedas is in the spring after they finish flowering. You can selectively prune back about 1/3 of the shrubs each spring and gradually bring down the height, but yes, you will have some bare spots until the plants develop new growth and fill in. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
Christa
If you don't mind doing regular pruning on these, the best time to prune Andromedas is in the spring after they finish flowering. You can selectively prune back about 1/3 of the shrubs each spring and gradually bring down the height, but yes, you will have some bare spots until the plants develop new growth and fill in. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges
Christa
