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July is the perfect time to give your Zone 10 garden a tidy-up by pruning plants that thrive in the warm summer months. Proper pruning encourages healthy growth, flowering, and fruit production. Here are the top 10 plants to prune this July in Zone 10 gardens to keep your landscape vibrant and healthy.
1. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea benefits from light pruning after its main flowering cycle. Trim back dead or overgrown branches to promote new blooms and maintain its shape. Be sure to wear gloves, as its thorns can be sharp.
2. Hibiscus
Prune hibiscus to remove dead or crossing branches. This encourages more prolific flowering and keeps the plant manageable. Cut back by about one-third to stimulate new growth.
3. Lantana
Lantana blooms all summer long. Light pruning in July helps maintain its shape and encourages additional flowering. Remove spent flower clusters to promote new blooms.
4. Oleander
Oleander can be pruned to control size and shape. Remove dead or diseased branches and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning during peak heat.
5. Gardenia
Prune gardenias after their main flowering to shape the shrub and remove spent blooms. Light pruning encourages new growth and more flowers later in the season.
6. Citrus Trees
July is an ideal time to prune citrus trees to remove dead or crossing branches. Focus on maintaining a balanced shape and improving fruit production for the upcoming season.
7. Texas Sage
Trim Texas Sage to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning encourages bushier growth and more vibrant blooms.
8. Yucca
Remove old or damaged leaves and cut back flower stalks after blooming. Be cautious of sharp leaves and wear protective gear during pruning.
9. Rosemary
Prune rosemary regularly to prevent it from becoming woody. Cut back by about one-third to promote fresh, fragrant growth and maintain its shape.
10. Lavender
After flowering, prune lavender to shape and remove spent flower stalks. This encourages a bushier plant and prolongs flowering into late summer.
Conclusion
Proper pruning in July helps your Zone 10 garden thrive during the hot summer months. Focus on removing dead or overgrown branches, shaping your plants, and encouraging new growth. With these tips, your garden will stay healthy, vibrant, and full of color all season long.