Question
Hi,I have a question about pruning. I have a China Doll thats about 4 and 1/2 feet tall. It's in great shape, aside from the fact that it's getting too tall. I've pruned or "Pinched" back the new growth at the top twice so far. And after some time it starts growing at the top again. And thats fine, but I'm trying to get the plant to grow fuller, and not so tall. The plant doesn't seem to "Get the Message" and start growing other places and not at the top. But I'm concerned about it now. Is it okay to keep Pruning the new growth at the top for the rest of the plants life? Or will that kill the plant eventually? --- Thank you very much for your time. I really appreciate it.  

Answer
Hi Ben,

First, congratulations on your success with your China Doll. They can be quite particular if their needs are not met.

Your question is a good one because it gets to the confusion between pinching and pruning. They are really not the same thing, although many plant books and experts use the terms interchangeably.

Pinching is what you have been doing; removing the top growth as it emerges. Although this technique is often touted as a way to promnote fuller growth lower down on the stems, in fact that rarely happens. It is an effective technique for controlling top growth. It will not harm the plant if you keep doing it.

Pruning refers to cutting stems at any point along them. It is usually done with pruners or sharp scissors. Not only does pruning shorten a plant, it will also promote new growth in the lower regions of the plant.

Here is the key concept. New growth nearly always emerges at the top of any given stem. Thus, if you cut a stem back from 4 feet to 2 feet, then the new growth will come in just below the point of the cut - at the 2-foot point. That means you decide where you would like to see new growth emerge and then prune a stem back to that point.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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