How to prune carnation of india

After the main flowering cycle, typically late summer to early autumn; a light spring shaping is also beneficial. Prune lightly after flowering, removing spent flower clusters and trimming back overlong or crossing stems to a healthy node. Avoid heavy cuts that expose large amounts of bare wood. Remove dead or diseased branches cleanly. Note: cut stems exude a milky latex — wear gloves.

Once or twice a year. Carnation of India (Ervatamia coronaria, syn. Tabernaemontana coronaria) is a bushy, branching shrub that responds well to pruning and benefits from a post-flowering tidy to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and set up a stronger next bloom. It naturally forms a neat mound but can become open and leggy without occasional cuts.

Prune lightly after flowering, removing spent flower clusters and trimming back overlong or crossing stems to a healthy node. Avoid heavy cuts that expose large amounts of bare wood. Remove dead or diseased branches cleanly. Note: cut stems exude a milky latex — wear gloves.