Pinching back Four O'Clocks?

Discussion in 'Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Ferns and Bulbs' started by lori51, Jun 18, 2007.

  1. lori51

    lori51 Member

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    Location:
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    I love and grow Four O'clocks every year. One trick I have done with my Four o'clocks is to plant them in amoungst my glads, once the glads have finished blooming I still have colour in that area and the leaves of the glads help support them. I have them in several light locations around my yard (full sun, partial sun, and semi shade). They seem to do well in all locations for me. My problem with them is the plants get too big (3-4 feet tall) and even with staking, by the time August/September gets here, the plants break with wind and heavy rains.

    I am wondering if I should pinch back the shoot that forms at the base of a leaf by the stem, like I do for tomato plants? Or will that make the plant too lanky?
    Any one have suggestions as to what I should do?

    It is hard to see the actual Four O'clocks in this picture but this will help give you an idea as to how I do it.

    Yes my grass needed cutting !!
     

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  2. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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    Location:
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    Your flower garden is well done. It doesn't have the "Park" look, that so may people try to achieve.

    Four O'clocks can be a hassle when they get large. One or two plants go a long way. I stake mine carefully in the attempt to prevent breakage, since when they do break a large part of the plant is removed. I never tried pruning and from my observations it would probable remove too much from the plant, since the shoots really make the cultivar.

    I like the idea of putting one or two in the Gladioli beds. Usually I put the Four O'clocks in any large empty space. They are a marvellous plant.

    http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html
     

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