Sweetshade Pruning
Question from Richard:
I’ve never done s.s. and I’m a little apprehensive about regrowth when cutting back 2 feet on a 20×20 foot specimen in Dana Pt, because foliage only at end of branches. Does it readily sprout new growth on those bare 1-2″caliper branches? I plan on pruning ASAP.(June)
Answer from Pat:
Yes, you are right. For goodness sakes do not cut back into bare wood or the branch may die. In fact it most probably would do so.
Sorry I could not answer sooner. I was on vacation and just got home late last night.
In the case of bare branches and foliage only at the tips of sweetshade or any other tree or shrub, just pinch the tips of the branches. Even now in early June is fine. By “pinch” I mean cut off of an inch or two from the tips of the growth including the leading bud. That is usually enough to stimulate growth further back. When that occurs you can pinch or cut more another year and gradually encourage a bushier tree.
Let me know if it fills in. Pinching back should force growth further back on the branch. Sweetshade does not branch readily and this should force it to do so even when older such as your tree is.
Thank you very much, Pat. Cheers, Richard
After you have pinched the tips once then wait for new growth and pinch again even this year. Keep on doing this. This is called “progressive pruning” and one can correct almost any “leggy” plant this way. Pinch all the tips on a branch, not only the leading bud but all the buds and the branch will fill out.
Sweetshade is a tree that does not readily branch and it needs this treatment. It also makes it suitable for being planted in small groups or groves. Also, being a tall narrow tree, it can be planted in side yards between buildings that are quite close together. Strong and delightful fragrance during spring bloom makes it an asset to houses on both sides since the perfume wafts into bedroom windows.