Pruning Sunshine Ligustrums & Perennial Grasses | Gardening with Creekside

Late winter is the perfect time to prune many shrubs and perennial grasses, so this was the perfect time to prune our Sunshine Ligustrums and perennial grasses at the entrance to the nursery. I may shock some of you by how aggressive I pruned these sun-loving shrubs, but in just a short time they will be full of gorgeous new growth.
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Creekside Nursery
181 Pine Hollow Dr
Dallas, NC, 28034

[@DS-rf7si]

You should contact your South Carolina friend, Jim Putnam, he's done many a video on Mahonias. He's very knowledgeable on this cultivar. A co-lab or sorts.

[@susanbaker2796]

I was thinking the same thing, D S. Jim is very knowledgeable on Mahonias. Many varieties. He would be a perfect resource in this situation.

[@glendapeters8899]

My daddy would be loving your prune job. My momma would be having a conniption fit! LOL! They could never agree on how to prune anything. I'm more like my daddy! Loved it!

[@alexpesina6773]

Hi! I have mahonia soft cares in 2 spots in my garden. I bought 10 to flank the entrance of my shade garden underneath a large weeping oak. I have a hedge of 5 on the left and 5 on the right. On the same day I also planted 15 in a full sun situation lining my sidewalk. I was pleasantly surprised that they have handled a Full sun situation for the past 5 years in zone 8b south GA. Both full sun and shade plantings were planted on the same day and were all the same sized. However the ones in full shade look like the ones in your video. And the ones and full sun are definitely bushier thicker and have a much compact look to them. In fact, I have not touched those in the past five or six years. However the ones in full shade I did prune back two years ago. I pruned them about 1 foot off the ground and they branched from the base and from the cuts and in between! They look thicker now and look way better. I would also like to say that the ones in full sun are on drip and receive water every other day for about seven minutes and have handled full sun beautifully. Thanks for the content and hope this helps !

[@MelodyHopkins]

My 2 Soft Caress Mahonias also get full sun during the growing season in Zone 8b and they are lush and full. I do have one branch that has grown much taller than the others so I will cut it back to the ground like you do when pruning nandina domestica. This will encourage some new branching.

[@alw5101]

Good Morning GWC Family! Ahhhh just hearing the word Spring coming from you Jenny is a glorious sound....I’m up here In NWI so we have a while till I can mutter those words! Then all heck will break loose and away I’ll go working like a busy bee on my own property- I love yard work its like meditation for me and good for my sole✨🤍

[@gardensnob1]

My vote is to move Albert. What I’ve read is full sun and regular moisture. Not a fan of clay - they like well draining conditions. 🤷‍♀

[@jenniferhooks2454]

I would vote to move Albert also. He needs more sun. Plants that are happy in their spot look happy with lush, full growth.

[@Eric.Mercado]

Hi Jenny!👋 I'm relatively new to your space, thanks to you popping up at Laura's from Garden Answer. I just wanted to say I've thoroughly enjoyed your content and have gained tons of information/tips/tricks, all while smiling and chuckling along with you. 😁 You're a massive bundle of joy, energy, positivity, and humor that radiates through the camera lens! It's infectious and so needed these days to counter the divide/divisiveness that seems to be becoming the norm, sadly. I appreciate and thank you for welcoming me into your sunshine. Thank you! 😊 🙏

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Thank you for taking the time to send us a bit of encouragement and kind words! They are GREATLY appreciated! We are so glad you found us; happy gardening ❤️

[@meridabowes3796]

I wish I could clone myself when working in my yard! I would get twice as much done! 😆🌿🍃

[@blessedwvfam9077]

Mama of 3 is coming out 🤣🤣🤣 I can relate. Go prune ❤️❤️❤️

[@deloresr352]

Bungee cord is a great idea. I used heavy string and couldn't get it tight enough.

[@barbwheeler5805]

Great idea! Worked slick!

[@andydzieciaszek586]

The consensus is that we are just too warm and humid for blue spruces here in NC (except the mountains of course). What that Fat Albert is doing is typical, it will just decline year after year unfortunately. They are just not for us unfortunately.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

That’s what I’m afraid of 😩.

[@amydriggers504]

Lovin' your large mailbox from a SC mail lady!

[@arelettebreaux938]

Hi, Jenny! I pruned my sunshine ligustrums, last weekend. They were almost five feet tall! I don't like how they look talll. Here in South Louisiana, spring is here! We have had temperatures up to 80, already! I visited Clegg's Nursery today, and there was so many people there! I mean, cars was backed up! I got about four different kinds of coleus, a pear tree,potatoes vines, dichondra silver falls, etc! Today, was a good day!

[@mandybuck9163]

Very good question about the mahonia, I've definitely cut back hard on the mature prickly types and they thrive. For the soft caress I just have 2 in part sun part shade and they are straight and narrow, if you end up being brave and cutting yours back I'd love to see how they do as I'd also like them to be more bushy. May even help them flower better. Sorry not helpful but I'm definitely interested if you chop them back!

[@karencassar5340]

Hi Jenny, I must say I enjoyed every minute of the prune …😉

[@annjohns9939]

Now I know how you get so much done there are two of you!! You go girl!! Looking good around there.

[@susanmcpherson3998]

Oh me! I got so excited when you pointed out the little “wake up” nubs on your Lady in Red fern! I go out every morning, coffee in hand to anticipation of “wake up” calls of Spring! Thank you for a shot of beautiful plants to come!!

[@marybeth4002]

The gate entrance looks great with your heavy pruning. My favorite part.... going for a 'ride' on the Kubota.... wheeeee!

[@tandy8388]

Hi Jenny I would ask Jim Putnam about the Fat Albert and the Mahonia. I know you had him on your channel and he lives in your area. He’s probably your best bet. BTW all your gardens are looking great and love your channel.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Thank you❣️

[@susanbaker2796]

I agree. Jim Putman features many varieties of Mahonia in his videos. He would be a great resource for this situation.

[@shangri-lahomestead2895]

Absolutely love these informative spring preparation videos. Thank you.

[@juliafiore120]

Good morning, Jenny ☕️ I’m thinking Fat Albert needs more sun ☀️. Not that I have one but, Laura from Garden Answer has hers in full sun. She actually just picked up a few more for the South Garden. You two are my garden go to people 🙌🏻. Have a Blessed Day 😊🌲

[@bohnnco]

The big difference is Oregon versus North Carolina. dwarf conifers can struggle in the deep South because our nights don’t cool down in the summer. So for Jenny some afternoon shade is good. They just aren’t as easy to please here in NC

[@GardeningwithEric]

I just bought one of these (sunshine L) because I had seen it in your videos and posted it on IG / tagged you. 🤭 Now I’m getting a whole tutorial on pruning 🥰

[@victoriap1797]

Remove fat albert and plant it somewhere else, in a better spot.

[@karenholmes9182]

I hope to purchase some Sunshine L. this year and I know the maintenance required. Thank you. I especially enjoy your maintenance videos. I also had a critter get into my Holly Tone and will need to open at the bottom. Look forward to hearing the advice you get on the two plants you mentioned.

[@MomDroogs]

I just gave a rejuvenation prune to my insularis boxwood by a walkway. Fertilized and watered well after. I pray that they come back beautiful! We shall see. I am always afraid of pruning harshly. I am zone 7b

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Pruning shrubs this severe can certainly be daunting! It’s all about knowing which shrubs can handle it and which ones can’t.

[@MomDroogs]

@@GardeningwithCreekside , I am hopeful that insularis boxwood is one that can handle it. I haven't a clue if it is one that can handle it! I just blundered ahead. LOL I figured I couldn't make it worse as they were almost covering the walkway. If they die, I will just pull them...

[@angelINvail4365]

Jobe's Evergreen Spikes for Fat Albert

[@sallylilienthal8835]

Love it! I have the same Stihl tool. And same battery runs my line trimmer, leaf blower and 19” push mower. Also, my large Woods mower has a hydraulic deck, that I can raise up for cleaning & easy access to get blades off. The older we get, have to change our tools!!!

[@MyBackyardScience]

We can appreciate spring pruning. Your weather looks so much ahead of ours at this point, but still our season is right around the corner 😀

[@suekrebs3497]

We live in southern Wisconsin and have 2 20+ years old Fat Alberts. They are planted in full sun and thrive here! I love every one of your videos and can't wait to visit your nursery!

[@imsassi]

Had to laugh to myself. You wouldnt want me moving mulch, you would be minus a mailbox and several very large trees. 😂 You are a lady that wears many hats - sorry no help with the questions. Amazing day, 73 around us today, feeling blessed. 💝

[@kellyclackum1310]

Jenny Don't put yourself down so much. Driving a tractor, I thought you did great! I absolutely love your attitude toward things. Just go with the flow!😃 Work smart not hard was my dad's philosophy for life! Made me smile 😁 I thought 🤔 that everything turned out great 👍 Love your videos 💚. Have a super day & weekend & Happy Gardening🌾🌷🌼🍄🌱🌿

[@sandramulchahey8268]

I think fat albert is probably not a fan of our humidity 🤔. It was very satisfying to see the hard prune you gave those bad boys.

[@pamulapowell3951]

Love this always learning watching ur videos. Great idea with the bungee cord. I will be trying that. Thank u 💜💜

[@susancanning1760]

Hi Jenny from Prince Edward Island Canada. I have 2 fat Alberts in our yard in total sunlight which they love...my vote is to move it & every year trim the new growth of those bottom branches back by 1/3 to help with shape. I love watching you in North Carolina & am envious of your early spring. I normally watch Laura on GA & you every day. I am an avid gardener & enjoy starting my day watching my 2 favorite gardeners🌻👍🏻

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

Thank you so much❣️

[@rb5402]

I have to agree move it I enjoy watching you Jenny. Thank you for your videos.

[@naturegirl7777]

...me too!... I watch Laura every morning with my morning coffee, and catch Jenny whenever she posts new vlogs! They are a part of my everyday life! ♥️👩🏼‍🌾💚 =^..^=

[@stephaniejohnson2937]

Love the bungee cord trick…(even if it came a day late for me )I just trimmed my grasses snd stuff was flying everywhere!!! I will remember my bungee cord for next year for sure!!! Spring is coming here in the south and clean up is beginning :)

[@MattMurrah]

Must be nice to have an identical twin sister to help with all those tasks! :)

[@billyjobobb]

Prune mahonia just like you do Nandina

[@patricialucinda2506]

thanks for the bungee cord idea.

[@kimsw9778]

Just like that its ready for annuals! 🥰 looks good Jenny! Have a good weekend!

[@paulacatoe6716]

On March 5th my husband and I visited you and enjoyed talking to you. We walking around your very nice and well groomed nursery. I watch you and Jerry everyday since I retired. My husband thought I would enjoy shopping on our anniversary at Creekside and he was right!!!

[@Tina-fj3kh]

Brilliant…love the bungie cord idea!

[@kaychaney6102]

Well Jenny I just watched this for the second time. When I need a refresher course I go back to one of my favorite gardeners. Thanks for teaching and entertaining me.

[@GardeningwithCreekside]

You are so welcome!

[@triciacullum7577]

Loved your video. I have several Soft Caress some in sun and some in shade. The ones that are in sun are bushy and large. I have pruned them and they loved it. The ones in shade seem to look as they did when I planted them. I’m thinking if I pruned the shade ones it may encourage them to bush out also. Thanks for the pony tail bungee cord trick. We will see you end of March so don’t sell all your plants before I get there. Ha!Ha!

[@mrs.m4702]

Good morning, Jenny♥️. Thanks so much for your very welcoming and informative channel. I am a novice gardener with a small plant garden. So grateful for the valuable lessons! If you don’t mind me asking, where did you find the pouch to hold the shears on your waist? Blessings to you and your family.☀️

[@kathytaylor9798]

When you are picking up debris with your leaf rake, try using a snow shovel (if you can find one). It’s like having a great big dust pan!

[@lindaga820]

Great tip Kathy thank you !

[@maureengee364]

Jenny fat Albert must go. He looks out of place there. He’s cute though. Great video darling. Love all the clean up. Looks amazing. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 PS: do you ship Biotone fertilizer????? 50 lbs and how much.💯💯💯

[@nancypatterson374]

Way to accomplish a lot and relieve a stress! 🤣🤣🌼

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Jenny, I use a 54" long men's leather belt that I found at Goodwill for cinching my perennial grasses. The one I bought has a double row of holes in its entire length, so I can make it as long or short as I need it, and it holds onto the whole bunch really well. It would be nice to own a Kabota to do the heavy lifting, but I really don't need anything that large for the size of my lot! We are having a light freezing rain at the moment, but we need the moisture so it's all good.

[@kbea]

Loved the multi-Jenny edit!!

[@karlakloves2garden]

I like the use of the bungy cord for the pony tail cut...I've tried it with twine without much control. Thanks for the tip!

[@amcluesent]

Eye protection is a good idea when using tools and pieces could be ejected

[@bankman2]

The mystery grass looks a lot like "Maiden Grass". I have it in my yard as well. I prune it back to 18 inches every March in Zone 8a.( 1 hr below Dallas in Souff Cacalacki.) Like the bungee cord trick !!

[@micaelrutledge5176]

Now THAT”S anger management. Does someone need to check on Jerry?

[@nolagirl7082]

Wow! I didn’t even know Sunshine Ligustrums got that big! I have 8 of them in our front garden. I’m new to gardening and those were the first shrubs I started with. I think I planted too many, too close together. I guess that’s what gardening is all about.. trial and error!

[@peggyriordan9857]

Re: Fat Albert.....I think Laura and Aaron from Garden Answer just bought a Fat Albert and they might be helpful in giving you this information. I think they are planning to plant it in full sun, not sure though so ask them to be sure. That is all I know about Fat Albert evergreens.

[@barbarasidel9012]

You can easily shape your fat Albert by pruning the ends of the branches. They do like lots of ☀️. He may not move with a lot of happiness.

[@barbwheeler5805]

No more sun, if anything i would put him where he gets a.m. sun only. Ours thrive in full sun in NW Colorado where it gets lots of snow and cool summers! Our Fat Albert is truly fat and not so tall! Birds love him!! Good luck, pray for snow for us!! We need to get out of this drought!!

[@bishop2b394]

Poor Fat Albert or should we say Short Albert. :( Something ain't right. I'm sure there are Evergreen Trees that like more shade. I love the look of an evergreen tree there. I have a rule in the garden if it doesn't look good on the third year out it goes. Of course you can move it or put it in the plant grave yard. :( Looking forward to spring here. We are in a zone 6 and having a false spring right now. Hard not to get out and start some pruning. Most of our cleaning happens in the fall otherwise we would just have too much to do it all in the spring.

[@janiekanzler8036]

I have a Fat Albert that is about 20 years old. It is beautiful. I did have to limb it up on the bottom since those limbs were browning. It is right by the downspout from our gutter so it gets a lot of water during our rains. It is growing in full sun facing south, 7a. I haven't done anything to it other than water it occasionally during droughts. It has gotten fertilized probably twice in those 20 years. Good luck with yours!

[@terrivance8750]

Mahonia? They don't look like my Mahonia--mine has wide, prickly leaves.

[@AquarianSnflower]

Hello friend! Looking at my Gardening tools and I want to add some of those Augers you and Laura at Garden Answer use. Can you please tell me the brand. Thank you for sharing your garden knowledge!

[@cindyblom8187]

Will you share your stihl trimmer details? I started yesterday…..oh boy i need this trimmer and need to use the bungee cord. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@billyjobobb]

Here in Portland Oregon blue spruces tend to do well for about 10 years then they die. I’ve been told there are bugs that do them in. We don’t get cold enough to kill them off. In colder climates they don’t get to do much damage because they die off

[@glitterbut7845]

Hi Jenny looks like you are having fun playing with the big toys ha ha🤣🤣👍👍💖💖

[@n.e.p.a.gardenpatch5753]

Can us guys get an example from Jerry on how we're supposed to tie up perennial grass? I’ve never made a pony tail🤣🤣

[@graylagran7443]

I’m pretty sure the deer 🦌 have pruned my sunshine ligustrum. And the “tones” always get snacked on when I leave outside. I need to figure out a better storage for them since they are irresistible.

[@beckycartledge9719]

I use a Lowe’s bucket with a lid on mine

[@janetcain1753]

Good morning Jenny! What a breath of sunshine you are to all of us. Thanks for the motivation. Alabama 7b is my area, pruning and clean up today for me… Yay. What gloves do you prefer?

[@mitzibud6908]

Another awesome video!!! Thank you!!

[@cynthiacahoon954]

Ornamental grass pink and white is it okay to plant them now they're only about 2 in in height I just got them from the nursery they're on the small side kind of fragile I thought it might be too cool yet

[@emmalavenham]

I think the biggest challenge for your blue spruce is that if I recall correctly, there is no irrigation in this bed. Blue spruces according to some may be a wee bit more drought tolerant than some other conifers, but they need consistent moisture to truly grow and thrive. My suggestion is to either irrigate or move it where it could be irrigated

[@andydzieciaszek586]

If you look closely, there is a drip irrigation line around it, blue spruces just don't do well here in NC unfortunately, too warm for too long.

[@emmalavenham]

@@andydzieciaszek586 The problem is the humidity. Blue spruces prefer drier climates. That is why I avoid them - even here in New England.

[@emmalavenham]

@@andydzieciaszek586 Really? I think it is important though to know whether it was initially irrigated. Once a conifer goes into a decline it is hard to turn around. BTW I think the reason they chose Fat Albert is because according to Southern Living magazine this is one you could grow in the South. I just checked online…

[@SiriusGoddess555]

Thank you for the tips. Always love your videos.

[@melonieroe7310]

really really enjoyed this video...music was very good also

[@cmnr8487]

I've never grown fat albert, but it appears that it may be planted too deep, these type ever greens need their roots close to the surface, they don't like alot of soil or mulch over the roots, or the area where the roots meet the trunk. ( I think this is referred to as the 'root crown' or 'root flare', but I am not sure.

[@billyjobobb]

Be glad you don’t live in the city. We gotta get everything into bags or the green bin. Can’t do a burn pile….

[@karencrawford5062]

Would it not be okay to leave the small debris (not the long grasses that were cut) in the bed and mulch on top?

[@bcb58bcb]

Thank you for the “ponytail” tip!!

[@beckysgardening9937]

You can’t really tell how huge they are until you are right there pruning!

[@bertildatolentino27]

Jenny I know I m ahead but, any updates on the planting around your pond?

[@annadavis6361]

Go Jenny Go Jenny! You are the bomb Jenny! LOVE IT!

[@marysmith9083]

Great video 🙌🏼 Thank you

[@terrivance8750]

Doesn't Lara w/Garden Answer have a Fat Albert?

[@margaretpervier8357]

So is this a good time to prune lorapetalum like this?

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Lovely job Jenny 🌸🦋🦋

[@richbishop7896]

I've had a Fat Albert for over 30 years. That tree should be blue and does not look very healthy. It definitely needs more sun. Bonny zone 5b

[@tonisherwood1038]

I agree. I've never seen a green Fat Albert. Fat Albert is a truly blue spruce.

[@margaretpervier8357]

The grass looks like Miss Canthis (sp).

[@greenrockgarden2851]

Yes! I would suggest moving Fat Albert. I don’t own one. Just giving my thoughts. Jim Putnam would be most likely the person to ask about the Mahonia.

[@stevebrown8247]

Hi Jenny, I think you might have Miscanthus Sinensis 'Gracillimus' (hope I have spelling correct) , the tall grass that your mama gave you. I have some here in the UP of Michigan. Love your videos. Melody

[@milk1016]

Lol working smarter and not harder! 🤣

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

I don’t have a “ fat albert” but I’d Probably move it. And make sure it gets enough moisture first year. If that garden is looking weak maybe water issue? I’m in N GA and get similar growing conditions! Thx for video!

[@shirlenehigbie5677]

Sounds to me like your plants don't like each other .... LOL ... They all want to move ... !!!

[@cristinagusatu6323]

Am cleaning my yard today's

[@josephburns8787]

I have 5 fat albert spruce here in New Hampshire zone 5B. 3 are in full sun and 2 are in part sun. The 3 in full sun are growing more quickly but all 5 look very full. They are not on drip but get water from lawn irrigation. I wonder if the issue with yours is something other than sun exposure.

[@ejrashaw]

I just cut back my grass here in CT and I said my neighbors must be thinking I'm crazy because I felt like I was wrestling it 🤣

[@dorindajenkins7825]

👋🙂

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Oh this is totally how I love to prune!! It’s reinvigorating!!!!! 💕☀️🌿

[@soccermom1245]

I found this about the Colorado spruce "Fat Albert" - "A very slow grower that will become quite large over time, in ideal conditions." so, maybe it could be in a very large container and get moved around a few times in order to find the ideal condition, i.e. best sunlight.

[@marylovejoy1]

Went looking for a sunshine ligustrum at my local nursery today, but they haven’t come in yet. I am so impatient for spring!!!

[@divinelotus19]

"Mama of 3 is coming out of me. I'm going to show no mercy." Why did I feel that deep inside my soul. 😅🙃

[@connieodom1970]

I would dig the tree up and move it.

[@kathyhornbuckle4966]

Looks like leaf scorch on the mahonia. Mine did this every winter so I took them out. They should recover from pruning if you want to do that. Mine were in a prominent location also so I didn’t want to deal with that every year. Fat Albert does not do well in our climate conditions. If you ever purchase property in our beautiful NC mountains you can grow it there 😊

[@tahoeblue2491]

Love days when I can trim like that in my yard. Your shrubs look great. Thanks for going for it.

[@bertildatolentino27]

Yes, move him!!..Great job Jenny with your grasses.

[@alw5101]

I don’t have a fat Al Bert but I do have other smaller pine trees and Jenny your guy doesn’t look like he’s in a happy spot at all ..I’d move that baby while you still can and find him somewhere else to be happy 🤩