- Encourage new growth and bloom
- Remove dead wood
- Improve air circulation
- Shape the plant
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- Use clean, sharp tools.
- Look at the overall plant, but begin pruning from the base of the plant.
- Prune to open the center of the plant to light and air circulation.
- Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above a bud that is facing toward the outside of the plant.
- Make sure it is a clean cut, not ragged (Enlarge photo above right)
- Remove all broken, dead, dying or diseased wood (Any branches that look dry, shriveled or black. Cut until the inside of the cane is white.)
- Remove any weak or twiggy branches thinner than a pencil.
- If cane borers are a problem in your area, seal the cut with a white glue, such as Elmer’s.
- Remove sucker growth below the graft.
- Remove any remaining foliage
