With almost every plant, the question arises as to whether using scissors makes sense or is even mandatory. The stated goals are more beautiful growth and even more flowers. But does the shrub called monk's pepper even need that? And if so, how much? We'll clarify.
How should you cut the chaste tree?
Chasteberry should be cut in spring: Remove spent shoots, frozen branches or shorten all shoots to around 20 cm to promote compact growth and the formation of new flowers. Plants growing in containers can also be cut back before overwintering indoors.
The minimalist cut
Many experts give tips on cultivating this type of plant. One would think that their information roughly corresponds. But when it comes to cutting the monk's pepper, there are different recommendations. It may be that everyone has their justification.
It takes the least effort if only the dead shoots from the previous year are removed in the spring. As long as the bush develops well, there is nothing to say against it. However, there is a risk that monk's pepper will age and consequently its flowering performance will decline. Then the shrub must be rejuvenated by removing senescent shoots close to the ground.
Remove frostbite in spring
It may also be necessary to cut off some frostbitten branches each year. This shrub often causes above-ground parts of the plant to freeze in very cold winters because it is only moderately hardy. Luckily it sprouts again from the base.
Promote compact growth
Gardeners that propagate monk's pepper and offer it for sale recommend heavy pruning every year. It doesn't matter whether the plant grows in garden soil or in a pot.
- pruning in spring
- shorten all shoots to about 20 cm
- Plant sprouts compactly
- the flowers are formed on new shoots
Tip
Don't worry if the chasteberry takes its time with new growth. If the winter has been particularly harsh, it can even wait until June.
Shrink size
Lastly, the size of the shrub can also cause problems for its owner. When planted out, monk's pepper can easily reach heights and widths of up to 3 m in a good location. Even in a pot it grows up to 1.5 m high. If necessary, the shrub may lose volume in spring.
In the fall, potted specimens have to overwinter indoors. For reasons of space, the shrub may also be cut back at this time.
