How to Prune a Thorny Elaeagnus

Thorny elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens) is a sprawling evergreen shrub with fragrant, deep green foliage and bell-shaped, cream colored blossoms that cover the shrub in late fall and early winter. These shrubs can reach 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide when allowed to grow unchecked. Commit to an annual pruning schedule to ensure a more manicured looking thorny elaeagnus shrub. Pruning a thorny elaeagnus isn't difficult and helps keep your shrub looking its best.

Pruning shears
Loppers
Mild liquid soap
Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the blades of your pruning equipment in hot, soapy water before pruning your thorny elaeagnus shrub to prevent the transmission of fungal spores or bacteria from previously pruned plants, shrubs and trees. Wipe the blades in rubbing alcohol and allow them to air dry.
- 2
  Cut diseased, damaged or dead foliage or limbs from your thorny elaeagnus shrub any time during the year to maintain its health and appearance. Trim problem foliage or limbs back to a healthy leaf node with sharpened and sterilized pruning shears.
- 3
  Prune thorny elaeagnus shrubs each fall to maintain the desired size and shape. Use pruning shears or loppers to cut the limbs back by one-third their length. Avoid cutting the limbs back by more than one-third; this makes it difficult for the shrub to recover.

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