How to Force Spring Flowering Trees & Shrubs
Forcing Spring Flowering Branches Indoors
I love forcing spring flowering tree and shrub branches indoors during late winter to bring an early taste of spring to my kitchen table. It is so simple and I enjoy tricking these little branches into thinking it is springtime. So what exactly does it mean to “force” something? Well, I promise it isn’t as barbaric as it sounds. Simply put, it means to force plants, or in this case branches, to bloom ahead of their scheduled season.
Once the Christmas decorations are all packed up (which was February for me this year) and fresh flowers are still a few months away, my house is definitely lacking some color. Before we start the process of how to force the branches, we must think about when is the best time to do this. Most ornamental trees and shrubs set their flowering buds in the previous growing season and require a dormancy period before they will bloom. This time frame, for most plants, is a minimum of six weeks of cold exposure before they can be cut and brought inside. Once they are brought indoors, most plants will bloom in 2-3 weeks. Here in southeast Ohio, it’s pretty safe to say once February hits, you can start trimming branches to bring inside.
Late winter is the best time to prune deciduous shrubs
I generally leave my pruning for mid- to late January for most of my shrubs so I can see any deadwood or crossing branches that need to be removed. A quick side note: I will caution you from cutting shrubs back with hedge trimmers to reduce their overall size because this will cut off the flower buds that the plant has set. Typically the rule for that type of trimming is to prune right after the shrub has bloomed. For example, with lilacs this would be done shortly after it flowers and before flower buds have set for the next year.
For those of you who are thinking, “I am NOT going out to work in my yard in January, lady”, I promise you don’t have to partake in a winter garden chore to be able to enjoy forcing branches. Simply going out and cutting a handful of branches will do the very same thing.
Star Magnolia Week 1
My favorite plants to force
Forsythia (1-2 weeks)
Serviceberry (2-3 weeks)
Fothergilla (2 weeks)
Magnolia (3 weeks)
Witch hazel (2 weeks)
Cherry (4 weeks)
Lilac (3-4 weeks)
Redbuds (2 weeks)
Quince (2-3 weeks)
Japanese maple (2 weeks)
PJM rhododendron (2 weeks)
How to prune
Like most things, the internet is flooded with an endless number of ways to force branches but I like to keep it simple. To start, you will need a clean and preferably sharp pair of pruners. I like to wait until it’s a mild, warm day to cut so the branches are pliable. Some believe this allows for an easier transition for the branches being brought into the home. I typically cut branches that are 1 to 2 feet long to ensure I have several flower buds on my stems. If you want to experiment a little with bud identification, try to pick out the leaf buds versus the flower buds. Leaf buds are mostly flat and pointy whereas flower buds are round and swollen. You can even take it a step further and cut into the buds to see if you find a tiny flower curled up inside. I typically cut 10-12 branches so I can sprinkle them throughout my house.
Now for the fun part - forcing the branches
Again, I don’t like to over complicate a process or add extra steps that I don’t think are necessary. I have successfully forced branches for over a decade using these few simple steps.
Star Magnolia Week 2
Once you bring the branches inside, get a clean bucket of water or several vases that you want to force your branches in.
I re-cut the bottoms of my branch tips at a 45 degree angle to allow for maximum water uptake. You can also split the stems vertically. To do this, use your pruners to cut straight up the center of the bottom of the branch about 3 inches. The theory is that this allows for even more water uptake by the branch. I do this only on stems that are at least 1/2” in diameter.
Place your vases or bucket out of direct sunlight and away from any heat source that will dry out the emerging buds.
Every 3 to 4 days (or when I remember), I mist the branches with water.
I have experimented with floral preservatives and even used a touch of bleach in the water to keep bacteria levels down. I have found that completely changing out the water every 5-6 days and giving the branches a fresh cut on the bottom is just as effective.
Watch as the magic unfolds. My favorite part of this whole process is watching the magic of springtime unfold right on my mantle. It is amazing to see the buds start to swell and the flowers unfold right before your eyes.
Star Magnolia Week 3
The flowers will continue to open and bloom for about a week. I do recommend continuing to mist the branches even as they bloom. Some plants that you force inside, such as Japanese maple or willows, will last several weeks. I love snipping a few more branches every week to keep the color coming over the next few months.
I would love to hear your success stories and see your beautiful blooming branches. Happy pruning!
With gratitude,
Lyndsay
