Pyracantha Defoliation

[matty-j]

Hey Everyone

I have 2 collected pyracanthas that had there first styling just over a year ago, but they are in need of a full secondary wire right to the tips.
I do enjoy wiring after defoliating to get a good look at the structure, has anyone completely defoliated or partially defoliated a pyracantha before?

Cheers
Matt

[Kyushu Danji]

Yes, I partially defoliate my pyracantha several times during the growing season in order to induce smaller leaves, back budding and make wiring easier. When i say partially, i mean nothing is left on the branch except the smallest leaves and buds that I want to keep forming at the tips of branches. I have done this for 3 years now and never had any trouble. I have decided to let mine grow out until next year for now though.

James

[matty-j]

Thanks James much appreciated!!
when thinning out the larger leaves do you pluck or cut?

Cheers
Matt

[Kyushu Danji]

Hello Matt,

The answer would be a mixture of both depending on how easy the leaf you are plucking is to reach with you fingers without risk of damaging other parts of the tree. I would say in my experience using the standard long reaching bonsai scissors is the safest option to avoid unintentionally disturbing other parts of the tree. This requires patience if like my pyracantha there are hundreds of leaves the subject of your intended defoliation!

Hope that's helps, and would love to see a photo if you get time

James