This plant, which originates from the Mediterranean region, exudes a Mediterranean atmosphere as a houseplant and ornamental plant. In the summer months, the bucket moves to the balcony or terrace. Regular cuts are necessary so that the shrub retains its vigor and does not get out of shape.
Myrtle can be beautifully cut into shape
time
Myrtles grow at different speeds, so the date for the first cut varies greatly depending on the specimen. Variety and vitality play an equal role here, as do external factors. With good care and optimal site conditions, some plants develop a growth of half a meter in a few months, while other specimens grow a few centimeters in the same time. You should therefore adjust the pruning date to when your plant has reached the necessary shoot length.
Spring and fall pruning
In principle, you can cut the plant from late winter to spring. In the case of particularly fast-growing varieties, another intervention in autumn is recommended. If you value the development of a rich bloom, you should refrain from using scissors after the end of April. Pruning measures may be carried out again after the flowering period.
techniques
Myrtles turn out to be easy-to-form shrubs. They can be used to create spherical trees or complex geometric shapes as well as cushions or bonsai. Regardless of the shape you prefer, these basic rules apply:
- Carry out the first pruning when branches are woody in the lower area
- these should have at least five to seven pairs of leaves
- Shorten annual new shoots to one or two pairs of leaves
Thin out
If the ornamental plants have grown too densely so that there is not enough light inside, myrtles tend to become bare. To prevent leaf loss, thin out the branch cushions a little more. Remove specimens that are growing too intensively and trim the remaining branches. Place the scissors about one to two millimeters above the leaf axil. After cutting, at least one pair of leaves should remain on each shoot.
topiary
Regular pruning ensures that the myrtle keeps its shape. Proceed with caution with more intensive pruning measures, because too intensive procedures disturb the flowering. Radical cuts are an exception in bonsai design when the crown area has to be rebuilt due to a bare tree.
Ideally, you reduce the shaping care measure to regularly breaking out the shoot tips. The shrub then sprout on the underlying buds and develops a dense and bushy shape.
tips
Pruning with scissors is necessary and recommended if isolated branches grow too vigorously and disturb the symmetry. You should only remove annual shoots and shorten perennial specimens.
tools
Shorten unwoody myrtle shoots with a sharp knife or bonsai scissors. Once the tissue has lignified, grab pruning shears or electric bonsai shears. Particularly thick branches require the use of pruning shears or a saw.