If the spice bark is allowed to live out its urge to grow unhindered, it will soon tower over every admirer. That's why she has to be slowed down again and again with the scissors and give back some of her growth. The cutting technique is simple, you just have to wait for the right time.
How do you cut a spice bark?
To cut the spice bark correctly, choose the optimal time in spring or autumn and do not shorten more than a third of the shoots. Pruning promotes the growth of multiple shoots and ensures a dense shape. Use sharp, disinfected pruning tools.
Optimal timing
The best time for any pruning of this plant is spring.
- write shortly before new growth
- combine with moving out of winter quarters
- Autumn is an alternative period
Cutting in autumn is recommended, for example, if the Overwintering the spice bark is only possible in a confined space.
Editing technique
Complicated pruning rules, which would make every hobby gardener despair, are not to be feared here. In fact, you can't go wrong with scissors. The plant generously forgives small slip-ups. Your new growth will soon restore the beautiful shape.
However, there is one thing you should not try to do with this plant: cutting it back radically. A third of their shoots are allowed to fall to the ground. Absolutely no more! This applies to both spring pruning and autumn pruning.
Tip
Invest some cut shoots in new spice barks. Propagation from semi-woody cuttings requires little effort, but offers good prospects for rooting.
Depointing
If shoots suddenly appear without tips, they have to sprout again. They do this several times. These branches are welcome. They allow the plant to grow more densely and give it a more pleasing appearance.
Prince the tips specifically and especially young plants regularly. This way you can help shape your design right from the start. Not every tip needs to be cut. Sharpen where appropriate. Let your feelings and sense of proportion guide you.
Cutting tool
A final note on the topic of cutting tools that cannot be repeated often enough. Even if you're short on time, don't forget to thoroughly disinfect secateurs, knives and whatever else you use for cutting before and after. How to avoid the transmission of pathogens from plant to plant.
Of course, the cutting tool (€14.00 on Amazon) should have sharp blades so that shoots are cut off smoothly and not bruised or frayed.
