Trimming hedges: When and how is the best way to do it?

Don't worry - the reason for this blog page is not that it is so difficult to trim your Devil's Dream hedge. Just as uncomplicated as this type of Photinia is, so is its pruning. But with the right tips, it can still be done a little better. That's why you'll find a summary of what you need to know for truly effortless hedge trimming here. Let's get started!

When should a hedge be cut?

For trimming a Photinia hedge in general, it has recently been frequently recommended to do the first trim very early in the year - not just in summer or autumn. But does this also apply to Photinia (Photinia fraseri)? When can Photinias be pruned? There is a simple rule of thumb: all flowering hedge plants should be pruned after flowering. If pruned in January or February, the buds that turn into delicate and fragrant flowers in May and June would be cut off.

Therefore, trim your Devil's Dream hedge in June/July!

... a hedge that is not always boringly green, but brings lively color and variety to your garden?

... a hedge that changes its appearance throughout the year, giving each season its own charm?

... a hedge that serves as a source of nectar for bees and other threatened insects during the flowering season, and spoils birds with its berries in autumn?

... a hedge whose ornamental fruit can also be used as durable home decoration in winter?

Devils Dream hedge plants first pruning

Good to know: Flowers and shoots

For the fiery Festival of Colors, the Photinia fraseri Devil's Dream provides the new growth of this year. However, Devil's Dream blooms on the previous year's branches (just like all other shiny loquat trees). The flowers then transform into attractive berries in autumn. If you want to fully enjoy all three events - fiery red leaves, white flowers, and dark berries - it is recommended to prune lightly after blooming each year. However, if you want to prevent the formation of mildly toxic berries, you can also use the hedge shears more decisively or selectively remove the withered flowers after blooming. Regardless of which option you choose, proper trimming guarantees that your Devil's Dream remains vital and youthful, delighting with its spectacular display of colors year after year.

Devils Dream Hedge in the Garden Low L Shape

How to prune a medlar hedge?

Until your hedge reaches its desired height, it is advisable to give it regular training cuts. This pruning measure is best done immediately after flowering. (A second possible period is the second half of August in summer.) By training pruning, you ensure that the plants branch out well to the top. This is essential for a beautiful, dense, protective hedge, as Photinias prefer to grow wide and slightly looser as free-standing solitary plants.

For the pruning of the hedge, simply trim the growth of this year at the top and sides to 10-15 cm. Pay attention to a trapezoid-shaped structure of your hedge from the beginning. It should be significantly wider at the bottom than at the top. This way, you prevent the upper sections from shadowing the lower base of the hedge. Otherwise, the hedge might become bare in the heavily shaded areas.

When the hedge has reached its target size, switch to maintenance pruning. This is done to maintain the final shape of the hedge. At the same time, it promotes vibrant red new growth. For maintenance pruning, trim back any overhanging branches at the top and sides to the appropriate length. Ideally, make the cut just above an outward-facing bud. The desired trapezoid shape should always be maintained.

If the hedge has grown vigorously, you can trim it again in the second half of August. In the autumn, your Devil's Dream® will then need a period of rest so that the new shoots can mature well until winter.

Devils Dream hedge plants first pruning

When is hedge trimming not permitted?

This question can be answered with a clear "It depends". Because the law - specifically the Federal Nature Conservation Act - only prohibits radical pruning and clearing measures from March 1st to September 30th. The reason is bird protection: during this time - the breeding season - birds can nest in the hedges. However, a gentle maintenance cut, as is done to maintain the shape of the hedge, is permitted all year round. These regulations apply equally to all federal states, from Lower Saxony to Hesse, from Hamburg to Saxony-Anhalt. Those who do not comply with this risk a fine of up to 10,000 euros.

What should you consider when trimming your hedge?

  • For Red Robin plants, classic two-handed hedge shears are best suited for manual use. Electric shears could easily get caught in the large leaves. Normal hedge shears work much more gently (and quietly).
  • If you need to trim one side of your hedge from your neighbor's garden, ask for permission beforehand. It is not allowed for a neighbor to simply enter the neighboring property just to trim the hedge.
  • Do you want to hire someone for hedge trimming? Keep costs in mind by not simply indicating the length of the hedge for a quote. Get a specific quote after inspecting the situation on-site. Because the height of the hedge and, above all, access for trimming are also important for the prices.
Devils Dream low hedge in the garden