Indian hawthorn Rhaphiolepsis indica is a tough shrub with fragrant, profuse flowers and.

Apr 13, Over time, many deciduous shrubs can become overgrown, leggy, splayed open in the center, and less vigorous. A technique called Hard Shrub Rejuvenation Pruning in the Midwest –. Sep 21, Prune when you want to improve your plant's form. Cut back any stray shoots that extend beyond the Indian hawthorn so that they are even with the plant. You need to prune to remove any diseased or damaged stems, according to the University of Florida.

Cut them back to the branch from which they originate. Hard pruning involves cutting the shrub off to a height of 6 to 12 inches above the ground and allowing it to regrow.

The advantage of hard pruning is that the shrub rejuvenates quickly. Gradual rejuvenation allows you to remove old branches over a period of three years. This technique is called renewal pruning. possible, start by cutting the shrubs back each year by no more than % of the overall growth until the hedge is at the desired height and shape.

Shear frequently to keep plants full. Deciduous shrubs can be cut back to a foot below the desired height in the spring be-fore the new leaves appear. Figure 1. Proper pruning.

There are two species of dogwood shrubs: Cornus alba, which is the Tatarian dogwood, and Cornus sericea, which is the Redosier dogwood.

Pruning is both art and science. Topiary, the art of pruning plants to achieve unusual shapes, and bonsai are good examples of"plant art" requiring special pruning techniques.

However, even these unusual plant forms use the same basic scientific principles of pruning.