Q. When should I prune my mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius)?

A. Since mock orange is a spring-flowering shrub and its buds developed last year, plan to prune it immediately after it flowers. If you wait too long and prune your shrub later in the summer or fall, you run the risk of pruning off next years’ flower buds. When flower buds develop on the previous season’s growth, it is referred to as flowering on old wood, and when flower buds develop on the new growth, it is referred to as flowering on new wood. Some other shrubs that should be pruned right after flowering are lilacs, forsythia, Virginia sweetspire, honeysuckle, viburnum, and weigela.

Please contact Plant Information Service at (847) 835-0972 or Click here to show mail address for more detailed information.