Pruning Exotics

Yesterday saw me attacking the Lantana which went from this ...



to this ...







The Poinsettia, which resting now and dropping it's leaves, will come down to the same level, about one meter, in March, along with the Buogainvilleas which bloom on current year's growth.

The B Torchglow, a bush is a nightmare to prune. This was it in it's glory ...



and this is it now ...



All of these plants are difficult to handle. The Lantana is like trying to handle Velcro ... it attaches itself to you with prickles which are on both the stems and underside of the leaves.

The Poinsettia when cut emits a white sticky substance which is poisonous.

The Bougainvilleas have little prickly things on them ... you can see them on the above photo. So, all of these things have to be pruned with leather padded gloves on. I have six climbing Bougainvilleas and one bush so fun is in store.

 

Seems you have your work 'cut' out Lol. I don't like pruning Bougies, I always get stabbed. :D