Pruning a Brunfelsia?

Question:

What is the best way and when do you prune a Brunfelsia. Mine is in a large pot, about 7 years old and is in need of pruning.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Thanks,
Adrianne from Houston, TX

Answer:

Adrianne,

How and when you prune your Brunfelsia depends on when it flowers and what you are trying to achieve with your plant (thinning, rejuvenating, etc.) If your plant is getting tall and lanky, you might want to rejuvenate it by reducing its overall size. This is usually done over a period of three years, cutting no more than 1/3 of the branches back by 1/3 to 1/2 of their current length each year to keep the plant looking as natural as possible and retaining at least 2/3 of it's flowering branches.

If you want to thin your Brunfelsia, you'll need to prune select branches all the way back to the trunk. This will let more light in, and increase air circulation. Remove any dead or diseased branches first and then work your way around the plant so you retain its overall shape.

The best time to prune is immediately after your Brunfelsia flowers.

Ellen