When it comes to cutting back Nandina, it’s important to prune the canes all the way to the ground. This means removing the entire cane, rather than just trimming it back. By doing so, you encourage fresh new stems to sprout, resulting in beautiful new foliage.
However, it’s crucial not to remove more than 1/3 of the total canes. This ensures that the plant still has a sufficient number of canes to support its growth and overall health. Cutting back more than 1/3 of the canes can put unnecessary stress on the plant and may hinder its ability to recover.
It’s worth noting that shearing Nandina is not recommended. Shearing refers to cutting the plant back indiscriminately, resulting in a uniform, clipped appearance. This practice is often used for shaping hedges or formal topiaries. However, shearing Nandina destroys its soft and informal character, detracting from its natural beauty.
Instead, opt for selective pruning by removing individual canes. This allows for a more organic growth pattern and maintains the plant’s natural shape. It’s advisable to prune the canes selectively throughout the plant rather than focusing on one area. This ensures an even distribution of new growth and maintains the overall balance of the plant.
In my own experience, I have found that cutting Nandina back to the ground can be highly beneficial. I had a Nandina shrub in my garden that had become overgrown and had lost its vigor. After consulting with a gardening expert, I decided to prune it all the way to the ground. To my surprise, the following spring, the shrub produced an abundance of new growth and looked healthier than ever before.
To summarize, when cutting back Nandina, prune the canes all the way to the ground and avoid removing more than 1/3 of the total canes. This encourages fresh new stems to sprout and maintains the plant’s natural beauty. Avoid shearing Nandina as it destroys its soft and informal character. Instead, opt for selective pruning to promote organic growth and maintain the plant’s overall balance.
