Pruning Common Native Plants

Pruning Common Native Plants Used in South Bay Gardens

 

Plant Species	Pruning
Trees and Large Shrubs
Manzanita (Arctostaphylos species	Summer (after blooming/fruiting): Prune as little as possible; removing branched for health only is best
Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis)	Winter: prune to shape if needed.  Start in  first year with low-growing forms.  Thin entire branches (for shaping) or remove up to 1/3 of branch length to encourage new growth
Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia)	Fall/winter (main pruning): Thin entire branches (for shaping) or remove up to 1/3 of branch length to encourage new growth
California Lilac (Ceanothus species)	Spring: deadhead to improve appearance if desired   Summer: Best time for selectively prune branches back to trunk for shaping (after blooming ceases).  Can also prune to shape in late fall.
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)	Spring (dry periods in Feb-Mar.):  Selectively prune to open foliage Summer (after blooming): Selectively prune to open foliage; remove suckers; hedge prune as needed
Rhamnus species (Coffeeberry; Redberries)	Summer: selectively prune out entire branches to shape    (if desired)
Rhus species (Lemonadeberry; Sugar Bush; Laurel Sumac)	Spring: hedge-shear (if hedging) during active growth after flowering/fruiting Summer: see spring Fall: prune to shape as needed.
Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)	Winter: Prune back entire plant to 4-6 in. tall just prior to re-growth season
Smaller Shrubs & Vines
California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica)	Fall: Remove top ½ of branch length; do not cut into old wood.  For  ‘Canyon Gray’ remove central upright branches as they appear.
California Encelia (Encelia californica)   Also Goldenbushes (Hazardia, Isocoma), Gum Plants (Grindelia)	Summer: remove old seed heads if unsightly after birds have eaten seeds   Fall: cut back to about 6-8” in late fall (after flowering for the Goldenbushes)
Bush Monkeyflowers (Diplacus species)	Spring: Deadhead to improve appearance, plant vigor   Fall: Cut back to 4-6 in. above old wood (leave 4-6 buds)
Native shrubby Backwheats (Eriogonum species)	Fall/winter: Remove spent flower stalks; if plants are  woody/ragged cutting back to 2-4 inches may rejuvenate – but may kill plant.  For Giant Buckwheat/St. Catherine’s Lace just trim off spent flower stalks.
Island Snapdragon (Gambelia/Galvezia speciosa)	Spring: tip-prune (pinch growing tips) for fullness   Spring/Summer: Deadhead as flowers fade; promotes prolonged bloom.    Winter: Can be cut back to 6 inches in late winter to promote lush foliage
Native Honeysuckles (Lonicera species)	Fall: prune to shape in late fall/winter
Currants & Gooseberries (Ribes species)	Fall: Prune out weak/crossing branches when dormant.  If desired, prune to shape by cutting back to a bud pointing the desired direction.
Sages (Salvia species except Salvia apiana)	Summer: may cut back branches to 3-4 sets of leaves after flowering to encourage a second bloom   Fall: cut back branches to 3-4 sets of new leaves if not so pruned in summer   White Sage (S. apiana) - cut back spent flower stems only
Native Grapes (Vitis species)	Fall: prune/train in late fall when leaves have fallen
Lilac Verbena (Verbena lilacina)	Year-round:  deadhead to improve appearance
Sub-Shrubs (half-woody plants) and Perennials
Milkweeds (Ascepias species	Fall: cut back to 2-3 inches
Heucheras/Coral Bells	Fall/winter:  remove spent leaves; if plants have gotten too big,  dig up parent plant; carefully divide and replant daughter plants.
Mint family groundcovers   (Hummingbird Sage; Woodmint (Stachys); Wild Mints)	Spring: tip-prune if desired for fullness   Fall: cut back to 4 inches in late fall
Dudleya species	Spring/Summer: Deadhead to improve appearance, or later to provide seed for birds   Fall: cut back dead flower stalks (if not done before)
California Fuschia (Epilobium species)	Spring: tip-prune if desired for fullness   Fall/Winter: cut back to 4 inches after blooming ceases
Penstemons	Summer: Deadhead as flowers fade; promotes prolonged bloom.    Fall: Remove spent flower stalks to ground after seeds are gone
Sunflower family groundcovers (Coast Aster, Yarrow, Mugwort)	Fall: Mow or cut back to 2-4 inches
Grasses/ Grass-like Plants; Native bulbs/corms
Cool-season bunch grasses (Festuca; Nasella; Calamagrostis;  Leymus; Melica)	Summer/fall: rake out old dead leaves   Fall: rejuvenate every 2-4 years by cutting back to 4-5 inches; if desired, divide clumps, making sure each clump has a good root ball
Warm-season bunch grasses (Deer Grass; Alkali Saccaton; Purple three-awn)	Spring: rake out old dead leaves; rejuvenate every 2-4 years by cutting back to 4-5 inches
Rushes & Sedges	Fall/winter: rake/clip out old dead leaves; rejuvenate every 2-4 years by cutting back to 4-5 inches; if desired, divide clumps, making sure each clump has a good root ball
Bulbs & Corms	Fall: Dig up every 2-3 years; scatter small bulbs/corms or plant in pots

  

A few general notes on pruning natives:

 

·         Always use sharp, clean pruners, saws, etc.

·         Prune for safety and plant heath (disease) as needed, any time of year

·         For large shrubs/trees: never prune off more than ¼ to 1/3 of the foliage – more will stress the plant

·         Don’t prune during excessive heat or when a spell of wet weather is predicted

·         Go slowly – the goal is well-pruned plants, not warp-speed pruning

·         When in doubt, don’t prune.  Come back another day & re-evaluate.

 

 

For more complete guide to pruning common native plants see: http://www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org/pdf/Guidelines_for_Pruning_CA_Native_Plants.pdf