FLOWERING SHRUBS 337 



tips shortened -in ; other hardy kinds will usually need cut- 

 ting-back about one -fourth or one -third, according to the 

 vigor of the branches, either in the spring or fall. A slight 

 cutting-back, also, after their June-flowering in the case of 

 remontants, will encourage more flowers. Severe pruning, 

 however, will only induce the growth of vigorous, leafy 

 shoots without flowers. The everblooming roses will need 

 to have all dead wood removed at the time of uncovering 

 them in spring. Some pruning during the summer is also 

 useful in encouraging growth and flowers. The stronger 

 branches which have flowered maybe cut back one -half or 

 more. The rule in trimming roses is, cut back weak-grow- 

 ing kinds severely ; strong growers moderately." 



The following extracts give another view of the 

 essential principles in the pruning of flowering 

 shrubs : * 



" There are two or three elementary rules which are 

 to be observed when the production of flowers is primarily 

 desired. Shrubs which blossom early in the spring form 

 their flower -buds the year before, and ingeniously protect 

 them during the winter with a warm covering, so that they 

 are ready to open with the early days of spring sunshine. 

 Any one who will cut off the twig of a peach tree in the 

 winter or of an early -flowering spirea and put it in water 

 will understand this, for the flowers will expand in a few 

 days after it has been brought into a warm room. Ob- 

 viously, if the branches of such shrubs are cut-back hard in 

 autumn, all the flower -buds are cut away and there is no 

 bloom in the spring. If, however, the branches are cut -back 

 immediately after the flowering season is over, this will 

 encourage the growth of new shoots from buds near the 

 base of the branch, and these will grow rapidly to take the 



*Editorial in "Garden and Forest," December 2, 189(5. 

 V 



