THE PRINCIPLES OF PRUNING 



75 



will be effective in producing strong, young shoots that will bear 

 flowers and more healthy foliage. 



When shrubs are growing too vigorously and need to be reduced 

 in size, the pruning should be done before the flower buds have formed. 

 For instance, all Spring flowering shrubs (Golden Bell, Bridal Wreath, 

 Japan Quince, etc.) should be pruned soon after they have finished 

 flowering, by simply removing old wood to keep the bush open and to 

 force the production of more flowering branches. Other shrubs, such 

 as the Hydrangea, which bloom late in Summer or Autumn, should 

 be cut back in early Spring, as they flower on the branches that are 

 produced that year (Fig. 76). Still another group, typified by the 

 Lilacs, need never be pruned beyond the point of the removal of 

 dead and very old, scraggly branches; it is safest to do this just 

 after the flowering period. 



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:K(2S B 



Fig. 75.— Where to prune flowering shrubs. The old wood (A) and" the injured branches 



(B) need most and first attention. Then proceed to the necessary shaping of the 



vigorous growth. As a rule, prune just after the plant has bloomed 



