How to prune pelargonium 'occold shield'

Late summer to early autumn, or early spring before new growth. Pinch or snip stem tips above a leaf node when young. For the seasonal trim, reduce all stems by up to one-third, cutting to a healthy node. Remove spent flower stems cleanly at the base to avoid rot.

Deadhead weekly in season; hard trim once annually, light tidy as needed. Pelargonium 'Occold Shield' is a fancy-leaf zonal pelargonium prized for its shield-marked foliage and bright flowers. Pinch tips on young plants to build bushiness, deadhead spent blooms consistently, and cut back by one-third in late summer or early spring to keep the plant compact and prevent woody, bare stems.

Pinch or snip stem tips above a leaf node when young. For the seasonal trim, reduce all stems by up to one-third, cutting to a healthy node. Remove spent flower stems cleanly at the base to avoid rot.