Pruning can be a tricky subject. We have a mock orange that hardly ever blooms. I think it's because DH kept pruning it every spring and removing the following year's blooms. LOL! He pruned it for the same reason that you do - it was getting too overgrown. Finally I told him to just let it alone and it had about 6 flowers on it this year. YAY!

I would check the Shrubs Forum and you will probably get some knowledgable help.

Shrubs: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/shrubs/

Also, there are forums for almost every state and these forums may be the best place to start, since the gardeners/members in there will know most about your plant, how to prune it for your conditions, and when to prune.

Joe

Mock orange should be pruned just after it has finished blooming. It can be pruned all the way to the ground but selective pruning is better. Is yours tree form or lots of "trunks?" If there are lots of pieces coming from the ground, select the oldest and largest for total removal and cut the remaining ones back by 1/3 to 1/2. Prune to just above an outward facing bud so the resulting growth won't crowd the center of the shrub. Your extension office should have some publications on pruning that will be very helpful.

Thanks ALL for the great advice! I do understand about "DH" as this tree was getting a little too close to his hot rod and I saw him fondling his chain saw which is what prompted me to write y'all in a hurry! I shall take all your advice into consideration and press on!

DIRT ROCKS!
Greenlydia

Hi Greenlydia,

Do not let DH get anywhere near your mock orange with his chain saw! I swear, men turn into something out of a horror movie when they get pruners/loppers in their hands! LOL. DH pruned one of my hydrangeas this spring and I almost bawled. You know how tricky they are to prune because you can inadvertantly remove next year's blooms. I think that's what happened because I don't see any buds on it. GRRRRR!

Happy Gardening!

Blueheron

At least 5 plants are using the common name "Mock Orange". If you would use the botanical name for your plant you would get better answers. Al

Yes... best to identify the plant first.