Satsuki in bloom

[drew33998]

Here is my first Satsuki in bloom. This is also the first year I've had it. I'm not sure this tree will ever be anything but clump style. It has three main trunks from base and is about 12" tall by 15" wide. I am going to reduce it down a bit and trim the wild shoots back. Shouldn't I trim it now so it still has time to set new blooms?

 

[Harunobu]

New buds will develop in late summer and autumn.

If you trim every branch in autumn, you will cut off all flower buds. If you remove the wild growth in autumn you will only lose the flowers on those branches you wanted to remove anyway.

If you want to trim back everything seriously without sacrifiing blooms next your you need to do it after blooming. That way it can grow new shoots and develop flower buds on those.

So yes, you are right.

 

[Bill S]

I Concur with H on this one.