| I had Laurels and Knock out Rose bushes, as well as other assorted perennials planted last Nov. When do I prune and cut back? Also, African Violets, how much sun. Morning,afternoon or full sun? |
| African violets are grown as houseplants. They like bright indirect light and will not bloom well in too dim a location. They do not handle hot direct sun however. They can do well in north or east windows, but in a south or west exposure you will have to use a sheer curtain to protect them from the intensity of the sun. Knock Out roses are very low maintenance. They should be trimmed back to renew them and to remove any winter damage each spring, cutting to about twelve inches or shorter if needed. They do not need to be deadheaded. Mountain laurel or Kalmia latifolia grows very slowly and requires little if any routine pruning, the exception being to tidy any storm damage for example. Prunus laurocerasus or cherry laurel can be trimmed to control size. The best time is late winter and then if needed again in early summer. Do not prune either of these in late summer or fall as this will encourage late season growth and increase the chances of more severe winter damage occuring during the coming cold season. I hope this answers your questions. |
