FFA Horticulture CDE General Practice Exam

Renewal pruning is commonly practiced on which of the following plants?

1. Roses

2. Hydrangeas

3. Forsythia

4. Junipers

The correct answer is: Roses

Renewal pruning is a technique primarily used on certain types of plants to encourage new growth and maintain their overall health and vigor. Roses are particularly well-suited for this type of pruning because it helps to remove older, less productive wood, allowing for improved air circulation, light penetration, and the promotion of new flowering stems. This pruning method typically involves cutting back the older canes while leaving a few strong, younger canes to thrive. This process encourages the plant to put energy into producing fresh growth, which can lead to more vibrant blooms and a healthier overall structure. In contrast, while other options such as hydrangeas, forsythia, and junipers do require pruning, they do not specifically benefit from renewal pruning in the same way. For example, hydrangeas often have specific pruning requirements depending on the type, and forsythia is usually pruned after flowering to maintain shape rather than to promote new growth from the base. Junipers, being coniferous plants, often require more careful shaping and maintenance of existing growth rather than aggressive renewal pruning.