If the spice bark is allowed to live out its urge to grow unhindered, it will soon tower over every admirer. That's why she has to be slowed down again and again with scissors and give back part of her growth. The cutting technique is simple, you just have to wait for the right time.
The spice bark can grow very large if left unchecked
Optimum time
Spring is the best time to do any pruning on this plant.
- write just before new growth
- combine with moving out of the winter quarters
- autumn is an alternative period
Pruning in autumn is a good idea, for example, if
Overwintering the spice bark is only possible in a confined space.
cutting technique
Complicated pruning rules that would make every hobby gardener desperate are not to be feared here. In fact, not much can go wrong with scissors. The plant generously forgives small slips. Its new growth soon restores its beautiful shape.
However, there is one thing you must not try to do with this plant: cut it back radically. A third of their shoots are allowed to fall to the ground. No more! This applies to both the spring cut and the fall cut.
tips
Invest some cut shoots in new spice barks. Propagation from semi-lignified cuttings requires little effort but offers a good chance of rooting.
sharpening
If shoots are suddenly without tips, they have to sprout again. They do that multiple times. These branches are welcome. They allow the plant to grow denser and give it a more pleasing appearance.
You should therefore prune them in a targeted manner and regularly, especially young plants. In this way, you can help shape your form right from the start. Not every tip needs to be clipped. Sharpen where appropriate. Let yourself be guided by your feeling and your sense of proportion.
cutting tool
A final note on the topic of cutting tools, which cannot be repeated often enough. Even if you are short on time, do not forego thoroughly disinfecting garden shears, knives and whatever else you use for cutting before and after. In this way you avoid the transmission of pathogens from plant to plant.
Of course, the pruning tool should have sharp blades so that shoots are cut off smoothly and not crushed or frayed.