To trim pineapple sage, selectively prune stems, including dead ones, throughout the growing season as the plant renews and flowers, instead of pruning everything at once at the end of autumn.
Here's a more detailed guide:
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When to Trim: The best time to trim pineapple sage is throughout the growing season and into late autumn. Avoid a single, drastic prune.
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Why Selective Pruning?:
- Encourages Blooms: Selective pruning encourages new growth and more flowers.
- Provides Winter Sustenance: Leaving some stems allows the plant to continue flowering later in the season, which provides food for honeyeaters and other pollinators.
- Maintains Plant Health: Removing dead or dying stems improves air circulation and prevents disease.
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How to Prune:
- Identify Dead or Leggy Stems: Look for stems that are brown, brittle, or have few leaves. Also, identify stems that are becoming overly long and sparse (leggy).
- Use Sharp, Clean Pruners: This prevents the spread of disease.
- Cut Back to a Node: A node is a point on the stem where leaves or new shoots emerge. Cut just above a node to encourage new growth in that area.
- Remove Dead Stems Completely: Cut dead stems back to the base of the plant.
- Shape the Plant: As you prune, think about the overall shape you want the plant to have. Trim stems to maintain a compact, bushy form.
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End of Season Pruning (Late Autumn):
- If the plant looks particularly straggly at the end of autumn, you can do a more significant prune.
- However, still avoid cutting everything back to ground level at once. Instead, continue selectively pruning, focusing on the oldest and least productive stems.
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Benefits of Trimming Regularly:
- Bushier Growth: Promotes a fuller, more compact plant.
- Increased Flowering: Encourages more blooms throughout the season.
- Improved Air Circulation: Reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Keeps the plant looking tidy and attractive.
