Question
Dear Gill, I live in Central Alabama, we have had a lot of rain this year combined with a lot of sunshine which has forced things along in the garden, - especially weeds, an ever constant challenge :(  In the autumn of 2008 we planted a row of Kasan pyracanthas to form a hedge. They were a good size to start with, in 5 gal pots, very healthy, and planted properly. The first spring after planting they were an absolute delight, covered in white blossoms followed by bright orange berries. They thrived well even though they are in a shady position, quite near, but not underneath a row of Bradford Pear trees. This year they have been forced along by the weather conditions and are growing well but have hardly any blossom at all, some shrubs have none!   We have just sprayed them with Neem Oil to prevent scab, a disease to which this variety is susceptible. This has nothing to do with the flower production since it is the first time we have done it and the flowers such as they were are over now. We have not pruned them in any way, although they are going to need it the way they are shooting branches all over the place. When is the best time to prune? Your advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks, Patty.

Answer
Hello Patty

I think that your pyracanthas have just taken a knock-back from the recent weather conditions.  A lot of plants seem to be flowering out of their season (either too early or late!), or not at all this spring.  

As your hedge seems to be healthy in every other way, I wouldn't worry about the lack of bloom this year.  Hopefully things will right themselves by next year!

The best time to cut your hedge back is early to mid summer.  Take out any damaged or wayward stems completely and give the hedge a good 'tidying up' by cutting back whippy growth to about 3 pairs of leaves.  This will also encourage the hedge to thicken up.

Gill