Its proverbial hard wood does not imply that the ironwood tree is tough when the scissors are used. At this point of care, your Parrotia persica prefers a cautious approach. These instructions explain how you can still keep the ornamental tree in shape.
When and how should you prune an ironwood tree?
It is best to prune an ironwood tree after the flowering period in March/April on a frost-free, overcast day. Prune branches moderately, removing dead wood and inward-facing branches, but avoid cutting into old wood. Wilted flowers should also be removed.
When is the best time to cut?
As an early bloomer, an ironwood tree sets its buds the previous year. The classic date for pruning trees in late winter is therefore not valid for a Parrotia persica. Instead, wait for the flowering period to cut the ornamental tree on a frost-free, overcast day in March/April.
Moderate cutting is key – How to do it right
In order to cut hard wood smoothly and without damaging frays, the scissors should be freshly sharpened. Clean the cut surfaces with alcohol to prevent pathogens and pests from accidentally gaining access to the plant this way. This cut has proven to work well in practice on the ironwood tree:
- Short branches that have grown out of shape by a maximum of a third
- Apply the scissors so that the cut point is 1-3 mm above a leaf node
- Cut off dead wood, frozen or diseased shoots on astring
- Remove one of the branches that are too close together
- Cut inward-facing branches at the base
In any case, avoid cutting into the old wood, as this will make it difficult for an iron tree to sprout again. At the end, clean out any wilted flowers. The cut is always made at a short distance from the nearest pair of leaves or sleeping eyes. The growth of the inconspicuous capsule fruits costs the plant an unnecessary amount of energy.
Care program after the cut
After pruning, you can set the course for a furious play of colors in autumn with the right care. Treat an ironwood tree in the bed with a portion of compost and horn shavings now and in June. Rake the fertilizer lightly onto the root disc and water again. During warm summer days, be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. If the rainfall is not enough, water with collected rainwater.
In the pot, the limited amount of substrate requires that nutrients are regularly replenished. Therefore, add a liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water every 4 weeks. Check every 1 to 2 days with a thumb test to see whether the substrate is dry. Let the lime-free water run onto the root disk until it runs out from under the pot.
Tip
The winter hardiness of your ironwood tree is naturally reinforced with a potassium-rich fertilizer. Therefore, in August and September, switch the nutrient supply to comfrey manure, patent potash, Thomas potash or a similar fertilizer.
