In a message dated 5/28/2004 12:30:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
dgoode@STRATHROY-CARADOC.CA writes:
> My question is this - can I safely cut back all the major branches to
> the trunk? I have read in several books that this will work for some
> species of trees, but no specific mention of Satsuki (the concept
> reminds me of coppicing). I also understand that some azalea will
> re-grow new branches from old wood -ie the trunk? If I can proceed
> with this process - should I do it now? wait until the fall or next
> spring? proceed over two years? My objective is to refocus branch
> growth closer to the trunk and get away from the "leggy look" that it
> currently has.
>
Since I live a long distance south of you with a very different
climate, I hesitate to reply, BUT.
I think I would work the plant back over a few seasons. Azaleas pruned
heavily here in Jan. or Feb. will be lush and blooming next fall. BUT.
The best time to prune Azaleas is as soon as they stop blooming. If
this plant is not blooming for you I would look at other plants in the area.
I think in your climate I would take everything back by half and wait
for bud break.
In my experience Satsuki will bud from a stump if not overwatered.
Billy on the Florida Space Coast
BSF Annual Convention July 1 - 4, 2005 Radisson Hotel, Cape Canaveral,
Florida
Workshops with Jerry Meislek of Whitefish, Montana and Chase Rosade of New
Hope, PA.
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