The euonymus, or euonymus alatus, is a deciduous shrub that grows vigorously to a large size. If it is planted in an area where it can grow freely, it will need to be pruned from time to time to keep it healthy. If it does not have to exceed a certain height, however, you need to shape it or resort to a more radical pruning method so that it regenerates.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prune to Preserve Plant Health
Step 1. Prune it in late winter or early spring
If pruning is intended solely to keep the plant healthy, it should be done in late winter or early spring before new branches have a chance to develop.
- Since the evonymus is grown primarily for the foliage it produces, don't worry too much if you accidentally go and remove the flower buds. However, healthier leaves will develop on young branches, so it is always best to prune it before new twigs sprout.
- When you decide to prune the evonymus just to stay healthy, you will have to worry about eliminating the branches that risk encouraging the spread of diseases capable of destroying the plant.
- Even if you choose to prune it to give it shape, you should still do it primarily for its health before worrying about its aesthetic appearance.
Step 2. Remove dead or dying branches
Use a pair of scissors to remove dead or badly damaged branches.
- Often they are damaged by disease, attack by insects, animals or bad weather.
- Cut off the diseased branches to the point where they join the main stem. It is the only way to prevent the spread of disease.
- You can shorten the damaged branches to the point where they meet the main stem, or remove only the damaged part of the branch. In the latter case, prune the damaged branch to the adjacent one, making a cut 5 mm above the shoot.
Step 3. Cut the branches that intertwine with each other
Look for branches or branches that intertwine or touch each other. Use a pair of scissors to remove them.
Cut them down to the point where they join the main stem. Typically, branches with similar problems will grow in the same direction again, so it's best to remove them completely, rather than just shorten them
Method 2 of 3: Prune to Shape
Step 1. Schedule the first pruning in late winter or early spring
When you prune a euonymus to shape it, chances are you'll need to schedule two pruning sessions per year. The first should take place before the new branches are born, which is towards the end of winter or early spring.
- The euonymus tends to enlarge uncontrollably as an adult, but it is usually possible to keep it under control by giving it the desired shape. This type of pruning will allow you to have a beautiful shrub in the summer, preventing it from taking up too much space.
- When you prune the evonym to have the shape you want, it is also necessary for its health.
Step 2. Decide on the shape
You can choose to give it a trim, leaving it in its natural shape, or you could shorten it to become an ornamental bush.
- Consider cutting it into a cube, box, or sphere shape.
- Another option is to cut the lower branches, leaving only the rounded top. This way, you would make it look like a small tree.
- If you're having a hard time figuring out the ideal shape, find a photograph or sketch to work on. You could also come up with a design yourself to follow during the pruning process.
Step 3. Cut the branches to get the shape you want
Once you have a clear idea of what figure your evonym will look like, use the shears to shorten the branches that protrude from that shape.
- When shortening a branch or twig, cut it a little at a time down to 5mm before an adjacent shoot or branch.
- Unless you choose to completely remove the base of the bush, you should thin out the top more than the bottom. This will allow sunlight to reach all the leaves of the shrub. If the bud is quite rich, it can prevent sunlight from adequately penetrating to the lower foliage, with negative consequences for the plant's health.
Step 4. Prune some inner branches
When you prune the euonymus giving it an ornamental shape, you should also prune some internal branches, more dense, to improve air circulation and the diffusion of sunlight in the body of the plant.
- Completely remove the oldest and longest branches, shortening them to the point where they join the main stem.
- If you want to direct the younger inner branches outward and make the evonymus less dense, use scissors to cut them until you reach an outward facing shoot or branch.
Step 5. Prune the youngest branches in late summer
In order for it to keep the right shape, you should prune the evonym again in mid-summer.
- Generally this is a plant that is grown for the foliage it produces during the fall period, so you don't have to worry if you accidentally knock out some flower buds during summer pruning.
- To determine the exact time for summer pruning, wait until the new branches reach a length of 15-20 cm.
- You should shorten them when they have reached 5 cm in length from spring pruning.
Method 3 of 3: Prune to Regenerate the Shrub
Step 1. Schedule pruning around early spring
Pruning intended to regenerate the plant is the most radical form of pruning. It is best to proceed in late winter or early spring, as new branches will form after a short time and, therefore, it will be easier for the plant to recover.
- This kind of pruning should only be done if the euonymus has grown out of all proportion or if it has become ill.
- If healthy, the euonymus should regrow vigorously after a radical pruning.
- It may be necessary to repeat the process every year or two until all the large, overgrown stems have disappeared. Once it has only a few thinner stems, you can allow it to grow to the height you want, keeping it healthy or cutting it regularly to keep it in shape.
Step 2. Shorten the evonym down to the ground
Use the pruning shears to cut all branches up to 15-30cm above the ground.
- When shortening the whole bush, be sure to leave at least 2.5-7.5 cm above the ground.
- Try to make clean cuts to make it easier for the bush to fully recover.
Step 3. Feed and water the evonymus well throughout the season
As this is a radical pruning method, it will be necessary to keep the plant under control during the first growing season following pruning. Water the bush regularly and apply the appropriate fertilizer.
- Water the shrub once a week during early spring and summer. Give it water in the morning (before the midday heat) and make sure the soil below is well soaked.
- Apply the fertilizer once in the spring, shortly after pruning, and a second time in late summer or early fall, about two months before the cold sets in. Choose a high nitrogen fertilizer and follow the instructions on the label to apply it correctly.
Warnings
- The euonymus "dwarf" grows in large bushes. The definition "dwarf" corresponds to the size of the tufts that develop along the stems of the shrub, not to the size of the entire plant.
- Wear sturdy gardening gloves when you prune the evonimo, to protect the leather and avoid scratches and cuts.
- Eliminate any diseased or dead branches. Do not leave it lying around as there is a risk that it will spread disease between the healthy parts of the euonymus or other plants in the garden. You don't even have to add it to the compost.
