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Pruning Shrubs Guide - A - Z Listing

Pruning shrubs - Follow our Pruning Guide for simple how to Pruning shrubs

The importance of pruning shrubs at the right time of year cannot be overstressed. If you prune some shrubs in the autumn, then you could be cutting off all of the next year's flower buds.

If you prune other shrubs in the spring, then the same goes. You could be cutting off the summer's flower buds. In either case, it means no flowers on your shrub!

Timing of pruning is the most important aspect for success. That is why we have put up a When to Prune Shrubs page. You can also follow our A-Z listings below for best advice on how and when to prune shrubs.

Many different shrubs require different pruning regimes, but fortunately there are a few basic rules you can follow to get it right - even if you do not know the name of your shrub. Yes, it is that easy.

A quick Guide on how to prune shrubs

Pruning Shrubs

Pruning Shrubs

Pruning Shrubs

Pruning Shrubs

Pruning garden shrubs can be a daunting task if you do not know how. How to prune your shrubs, with listings of all popular shrubs with information and advice on how to do in a methodical and practical manner. This guide takes you through step by step.

Most shrubs do not actually 'need' pruning! (Now that's a pretty good way to start a feature on how to prune shrubs and pruning: I will now bid you farewell and let you get on with it!)

View A quick Guide on how to prune shrubs

Most bedding plants are used for either summer or spring flowering. Some, such as Pansies, will give a bit of colour through the winter as well.

Botanical and Common names included for ease of use in our A - Z shrub pruning guide. If you are not sure that you have identified your shrub correctly, then our a - z of shrubs listing (with pictures) should help you, If all else fails, we are always at your service. Just an email away. Send us an image of your shrub, and we will do our best to identify it for you.


A Pruning Calendar for Shrubs

Pruning Shrubs

Pruning Shrubs

When to Prune Shrubs - Pruning Calendar for shrubs

Without doubt, the factor that affects shrubs more than any other is the actual timing of pruning operation. There is certainly a best time when you should prune shrubs and trees - in particular if flowering excellence is high on your list. Prune at the right time, and you will get flowers when due; pruning at the wrong time often means no flowers!



A - Z Shrub Pruning Guide

This is a large section, Probably needs its own website.

A

Pruning Abelia Shrubs

Abelia

Abelia

There are two basic methods for pruning evergreen Abelia shrubs - depending upon whether or not regular maintenance has been carried out. The basic routine pruning is little other than a light trip after flowering. The other method is usually adopted for overgrown or untidy Abelias which have not been tended for most of their life span!

The techniques are the same for Abelia grandiflora types, Abelia floribunda; and other evergreen Abelias.


Pruning Abutilon - Flowering Maples

Abutilons

Abutilons

Abutilons are one of the few shrubs that can be pruned at any time during their active growing season. They quickly start re-growth and subsequent flowering.

Simply prune as and when required. In particular, after the winter damage, when most types can be cut back quite hard. This will encourage strong growth - which will soon regain its original height.


Pruning Acers - Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples

In an ideal world, there would be no need to prune your Acer. Generally speaking they are fine without being subject to the secateurs. But as with many shrubs that do not actually need pruning, we sometimes have a need to prune.

Other than formative pruning for those Acers which go on to make large shrubs or trees, the Acers and Japanese Maples in particular are best left alone. The main exception to this non pruning is the removal of dead and dying branches which have succumbed to the cold in the previous winter.


Pruning Amelanchier

Amelanchiers

Amelanchiers

The Amelanchier group of shrubs or small trees do not require pruning normally - other than for shaping or controlling of size. Amelanchier normally grow into a regularly shaped upright but rounded shrub.

They are deciduous shrubs with some of the finest of autumn foliage colours. Depending upon soil type, this can be bright crimson or dazzling mix of gold and orange.


Pruning Apple Trees

Pruning Apple Trees

Pruning Apple Trees

Regular pruning of apple trees is necessary to promote more fruit bearing growths, and therefore more fruit. There are 2 pruning seasons for apples, being summer and winter.

Summer and winter pruning of apple trees both have different results on the nature of the apple tree's future growth - especially in the first season after pruning.


  • Arbutus - The strawberry tree does not grow strawberries - just fruit that look like strawberries!
  • Aucuba - A misunderstood evergreen shrub that can actually look quite good - even spectacular - with the right pruning.
  • Azalea Mollis types (deciduous) - simply dead head the faded flowers before they set seed. Otherwise see

Pruning Azaleas, Rhododendrons

Pruning Azaleas

Pruning Azaleas

Azalea and Rhododendron Pruning and for or all other evergreen shrubs that flower in late winter, spring, or early summer.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.



B

How - When - to Prune Bay Trees

Prune Bay Trees

Prune Bay Trees

Bay trees are grown in all manner of situations. As a large shrub - given enough room - they will not need basic pruning. As an ornamental - topiary - Bay Leaf Tree, they will need regular pruning to keep them in a tidy shape.

Winter damage is often a problem of bay trees, with browning of much of the foliage - also wind scorch damage. Both problems can be addressed by pruning as required to remove the unsightly branches. they soon grow back.


Pruning Berberis Evergreen

Berberis-thunbergii

Berberis Darwin

(Evergreen types) Not too much pruning required, but if needs be do it this way.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.

Most Evergreen Flowering Shrubs can simply be dead-headed.

The main exception to that statement, is where the evergreen flowering shrub is also being grown for its berries of fruits - ie Cotoneaster and Pyracantha. Deadheading or pruning these would inevitably mean a loss of fruiting trusses that come after the flowers.


Pruning Berberis - Deciduous Types

Berberis-thunbergii

Berberis Thunbergii

Before you prune your Berberis, get a tough pair of gloves! The thorns are very invasive, and it is difficult to to prune this plant without suffering.

Deciduous Berberis need pruning at different times to the evergreen varieties. We take you through the process of pruning at the right time, done in the right way.


Pruning Buddleias - Butterfly Bushes

Buddleia Highland Blue

Buddleia Highland Blue

Buddleia davidii are the popular garden Butterfly Bushes. They need to be pruned at the right time. We take you through the steps of pruning your Buddleia and explain why spring is the best time to prune.

This section is for the Buddleia davidii types only. The Buddleia davidii are the proper 'Butterfly Bushes' though the others also attract butterflies - and bees etc. See the link at the bottom of the page for for Buddleia alternifolia.


Pruning Buddleia Alternifolia

Buddleja-alternifolia

Buddleia Alternifolia

Advice and information about how to prune Buddleia alternifolia - and how to grow it as a hedge

Buddleia alternifolia is not one of the more common Buddleia davidii - The Butterfly Bushes. It has an arching weeping habit, and needs different pruning to the common types of butterfly bush.

It flowers on wood (growth) made the previous year so its pruning needs are different.

Because of its weeping habit, it will make a spectacular flowering tree or even large hedge.


Pruning Buddleja Globosa

Buddleja Globosa

Buddleja Globosa

Buddleja or Buddleia globosa is unlike its 'butterfly bush' cousins, in that it does not need to be hard pruned every spring.

It rarely need pruning - other than to constrain its size or to rectify a bit of damage.

Leave the pruning too late and you will not get flowers the following year. If it is grown as a screening shrub - and it is superb for this - then this particular Buddleia will not normally need pruning.


Pruning Brachyglottis (Senecio)

Brachyglottis-Senecio

Brachyglottis Senecio

Normal Pruning - The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.

Hard Pruning - Hard pruning in Spring for Shrubs that flower late mid-late summer on current season's growth



Pruning The Bride - Exochorda x Macrantha

The Bride - Exochorda x Macrantha

Exochorda x Macrantha

The pure white flowers of this shrub give rise to the name - The Bride - or the Pearl Bush. (The opening flower buds resemble groups of pearls.

Exochorda x macrantha The Bride, is an early summer flowering shrub that needs pruning at the correct time. How and when to prune it is detailed below.

Take note of our information and advice on how to prune the Exochorda and avoid the disappointment sometimes experienced with this plant.



C

Pruning Callicarpa - as per Buddleias

callicarpa

Callicarpa

Buddleia are the popular garden Butterfly Bushes. They need to be pruned at the right time. We take you through the steps of pruning your Buddleia and explain why spring is the best time to prune.

This section is for the Buddleia types only. The Buddleia are the proper 'Butterfly Bushes' though the others also attract butterflies - and bees etc. .


Pruning Camellia Shrubs

Camellia

Camellia

Camellias are one of the few winter flowering shrubs that will respond to pruning if necessary. It is important to realise that the flower buds for the Camellia are formed in early summer, ready to flower in late autumn or winter a few months hence. Any pruning carried out should be done right after flowering, in order to allow the shrub enough time to produce new shoots and flower buds.

Late pruning will inevitably result in a winter season with few or even no flowers. Late pruning of Camellias and other winter flowering shubs is one of the main causes poor or no flowers.


Pruning Caryopteris

Pruning Caryopteris

Pruning Caryopteris

There are several varieties of Caryopteris with the Caryopteris x clandonensis cultivars being the main group.

All have grey-green aromatic foliage with the exception of the golden leaved and variegated forms. However they are grown in the main for their varied blue flowers which start to appear late summer and normally carry on right through to mid-winter. The blue flowers contrast well with other autumnal shades in the late garden.


Pruning Catalpa Bignonioides Aurea

Geraniums-Haleakala

Geraniums Haleakala

Hard pruning in Spring for stem and foliage effect.

Eucalyptus gunni, Catalpa Aurea, Cotinus, Dogwoods, Sambucus, Robinia frisia, etc.

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.


Pruning Ceanothus (deciduous types)

Ceanothus Papillosus

Ceanothus Papillosus

Pruning Ceanothus (deciduous types) is the same instructions as Pruning Buddleias - Butterfly Bushes.

This group of shrubs flower on new growth made in the current year, so it is to your advantage to prune the shrub well to produce many flowering shoots. These shoots that emerge as a result of properly pruning the Buddleja will have an upright, then arching habit of growth - totally unlike the 'wild' Buddleias that are seen on vacant building site - or growing out of walls!


Pruning Ceanothus (evergreen types)

Ceanothus Americanus

Ceanothus Americanus

Pruning Ceanothus (evergreen types) is the same instructions as Pruning Azaleas, Rhododendrons .

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


  • Ceratostigma
  • Chaenomeles
  • Cistus

Pruning Choisya

Choisya Ternata Mexican

Choisya Ternata Mexican

Pruning Choisya is the same instructions as Pruning Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


Pruning Clematis

Clematis Alpina

Clematis Alpina

Clematis are normally grouped into three distinct sections for pruning, each group has its own pruning method. If your varienty is not listed within the groups, you can know which group they belong to by the time of the year they flower. If you are going to prune clematis, then it needs to be carried out correctly.

However, as with many other shrubs, many clematis do not 'have' to be pruned. But in normal garden conditions, pruning of Clematis is a 'must'.


Pruning Cornus (alba, stolonifera and sanguinea types)

Cornus Midwinter Fire

Cornus Midwinter Fire

Many Cornus - Dogwoods - are grown for their colourful stems throughout the winter months. For this to be successful, it needs a particular kind of pruning - easy!

We take you through the pruning exercise and tell you when and how to prune your Dogwoods.

You need to prune at the right time, which is late Winter or early Spring.

We are NOT talking about the flowering Dogwoods - Cornus - which are NOT grown for their stem colour.


Pruning Cotinus Royal Purple

Cotinus-coggygria-Royal-Purple

Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple

Cotinus Royal Purple is the same instructions as Hard Pruning

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.


Pruning Cytisus scoparius (Broom)

Pruning Kerria Cytisus

Pruning Kerria Cytisus

It is important to prune Kerrias just after flowering in late Spring. The flowered shoots are simply cut back, allowing the new growth to ripen for next year's flower crop. It must be done right after flowering - certainly by mid-June for best effect.

Kerria japonica Flore plene, and Pleniflora, together with the variegated kerria Picta pr Variegatum are deciduous shrubs that flower early in the year on growth made in the previous year.



D

Pruning Daphne

Daphne Mezereum

Daphne Mezereum

Pruning Daphne does not really need pruning, but if you do want to prune it, then follow the instructions for Pruning Azaleas and Rhododendrons

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


Pruning Deutzia

Deutzia Gracilis 'Nikko'

Deutzia Gracilis 'Nikko'

There are several fine species and varieties (cultivars) of Deutzia. They all have the same pruning requirement as they flower on wood growths made in the previous growing season (Last year). This is important to realise, for the current year's growth - such as in late spring or early summer does NOT bear flowers. When to prune Deutzia is essential knowledge for succession of flowers.

Deutzias can get a bit unkempt in habit if not pruned regularly. Prune at the right time!

All deutzia should be pruned immediately after the flowers have finished


Pruning Dogwoods - Cornus

Midwinter Fire

Midwinter Fire

Many Cornus - Dogwoods - are grown for their colourful stems throughout the winter months. For this to be successful, it needs a particular kind of pruning - easy!

We take you through the pruning exercise and tell you when and how to prune your Dogwoods.

You need to prune at the right time, which is late Winter or early Spring.



E


  • Elaeagnus - Evergreen Types can be cut back quite hard during April/May - or later
  • Erica
  • Eriobotrya japonica - If grown outdoors, then late winter or early spring, carry out minimal pruning for shaping. Best pruned when dormant. If grown indoors as large houseplant, will need restrictive pruning as and when required.
  • Escallonia

Pruning Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Fasciculosa

Eucalyptus Fasciculosa

You can prune Eucalyptus - for foliage effect, to rejuvenate the foliage, follow the instructions for Hard Pruning.

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.


  • Eucryphia
  • Euonymus (evergreen) - trim to shape in spring - or cut back hard if required.
  • Euonymus (deciduous)

Pruning The Bride - Exochorda x Macrantha

The Bride - Exochorda x Macrantha

Exochorda x Macrantha

The pure white flowers of this shrub give rise to the name - The Bride - or the Pearl Bush. (The opening flower buds resemble groups of pearls.

Exochorda x macrantha The Bride, is an early summer flowering shrub that needs pruning at the correct time. How and when to prune it is detailed below.

Take note of our information and advice on how to prune the Exochorda and avoid the disappointment sometimes experienced with this plant.


Pruning Flowering Evergreen shrubs

Abelia schumanii - Evergreen flowering shrub

Abelia Schumanii

Most Evergreen Flowering Shrubs can simply be dead-headed.

The main exception to that statement, is where the evergreen flowering shrub is also being grown for its berries of fruits - ie Cotoneaster and Pyracantha. Deadheading or pruning these would inevitably mean a loss of fruiting trusses that come after the flowers.



F

  • Fatsia
  • Fothergilla

Pruning Ribes - Flowering Currant

Flowering Currant

Flowering Currant

The Ribes flower early in the Spring - just after Forsythia.

Whilst the Ribes do not actually need pruning to flower well, if the shrub has been planted in the wrong place and outgrown its position, then you will need to prune the Ribes to a/ get it back into proportion, and b/ regular pruning to ensure that it does not again outgrow its position.

How and When to Prune Flowering Currants - Ribes.

With a large overgrown Ribes shrub, the best course of action may well be to prune it hard - down to ground level or near! That course of action can be carried out at virtually any time of year, but if you prune it too late, then it will not flower the following spring, so, the earlier the better - March or April at latest.


Pruning Forsythia

Forsythia

Forsythia

Forsythias are so easy to grow, that they often get overlooked when it comes to care and attention.

This is its downfall in many gardens. It simply need a bit of correct pruning at the right time of the year. Therein lies another problem - the time and way in which it should be pruned.

This is probably one of the most wrongly pruned shrubs of all!

f you prune it correctly then it will favour you with masses of good sized flowers. If you do it wrong, then nothing on your Forsythia but foliage!


Pruning Fuchsias

Fuchsias

Fuchsias

Fuchsia plants can often look after themselves quite well without any form of pruning. They are naturally floriferous and are rarely without flowers in the summer months. However, to get the best shape – and even more flowers than normal – a regular pruning (snipping) regime is beneficial in younger plants. Basically, the more shoots or branches your Fuchsia has, the more flowers it will be able to produce.

Firstly, determine what type of Fuchsia you have. This is not always easy with very young plants bought from the garden centre or nursery because a bush and trailing Fuchsia will look very similar with just a few shoots and leaves. Standard Fuchsias of course are very recognisable! Hopefully you can trust the plant label, which should tell you if it is a trailing, bush or hardy fuchsia.


Hard pruning of Fuchsias

Hard Pruning

Hard Pruning

Fuchsia plants can often look after themselves but if you require to hard prune it, follow the hard pruning of shrubs.

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.



G

Pruning Garrya Eliptica

Garrya Eliptica

Garrya Eliptica

Garrya eliptica is one of those shrubs that rarely - if ever - needs pruning. However, if the need arises, there is a time and method that should be noted to ensure continuing crops of drooping tassels that this shrub is grown for.

Garrya eliptica is best grown against a wall or sturdy fence, so can over time be a bit overbearing - Something that should be borne in mind at planting or design time, for it rarely responds in the normal manner when the secateurs are used.

As well as being suitable as a wall shrub, it is quite spectacular as a large stand alone specimen shrub. I this case there are several ways in which it can be trained and pruned.


Pruning Gaultheria

Gaultheria Myrsinoides

Gaultheria Myrsinoides

Pruning Gaultheria is the same method and instruction as pruning Azaleas.

Azalea and Rhododendron Pruning and for or all other evergreen shrubs that flower in late winter, spring, or early summer.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


  • Genista
  • Griselinia - Can be cut back quite hard at start of Spring growing season.


H

Pruning Hamamelis Mollis

hamamelis pallida

Hamamelis Pallida

This should be the shortest page on the website, for the Witch Hazels - Hamamelis - rarely if ever, need any pruning.

But of course, all of us gardeners need to do things that don't really need doing, or have to rectify something we did or planted many years previous, as we find out that the said shrub or plants, does indeed grow to the height stated on the label. This is as it is with Hamamelis.


Pruning Guide for Hebe shrubs

Hebe Eliptica

Hebe Eliptica

Most Hebes need little or no pruning. However the larger-leaved types are prone to damaged stems, and these can be safely cut back at any time during the growing season.

Dead-heading of old flowers on Hebe plants is well worth the effort. It can extend the flowering period, or encourage a further show of flowers later in the year. If your particular plant becomes straggly, then cutting back hard - to within 30cm of the ground - will rejuvenate it. However, this last option should be done with care! See below.


Pruning Honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum Serotina

Lonicera Periclymenum Serotina

Honeysuckle Pruning. If honeysuckles are pruned wrongly, then it could mean the loss of flowers for the following - or present - year. Pruning of honeysuckles is relatively easy, though can be a bit messy if pruning a neglected climber that has wrapped itself around an old trellis or frame for the last ten years!

Most will know Lonicera as climbing shrubs - better known as Honeysuckle. However, there are also a group of Loniceras - or Honeysuckles that are actually grown as shrubs.


Pruning Hydrangeas Macrophylla

Hydrangea serrata Bluebird

Hydrangea serrata Bluebird

Hydrangea macrophylla types are the main garden Hydrangeas grown in the UK. The group is split into two distinct flower types – The Mopheads and the Lacecaps. For the purpose of this page, they can be treated in the same manner as far as pruning is concerned. Both Mophead and Lacecap Hydrangeas benefit from pruning to keep shape and size under control, but neither actually ‘Need’ pruning.

If they are to be pruned, then the information and illustrations below will guide you through the very simple pruning operation. Do it in the right manner, and at the right time of year, and you should have a good succession of blooms and new shoots. Un-pruned Hydrangeas in this group tend to lose flower size as the years go by.


Pruning Hydrangea Paniculata Grandiflora

Hydrangea paniculata Pink Diamond

Hydrangea Paniculata Pink Diamond

This group of Hydrangeas – the H. paniculata and H. arborescens types - differ from the normal mop head varieties, which flower on growth made in the previous growing season. Both Hydrangea paniculata and H. arborescens flower on shoots made in the current season of growth, so need to be pruned differently in early spring to ensure a good crop of new stems which will then bear the large flowers on the end of the arching stems.

Pruning should be carried out in February or March. Prune the old stems back either to near ground level, or to a main trunk which has been allowed to grow to give the shrub extra height.


Pruning Hypericum Calycinum

St John's Wort

St John's Wort

Hypericums are a wide range of garden shrubs, but generally fall into two groups as far as pruning is concerned. St Johns Wort and Rose of Sharon types.

The shrubby varieties of HHypericum such as Hypericum 'Hidcote' should be pruned in spring - March or April depending upon area and weather conditions. The low growing Hypericum calycinum - better known as St John Wort - should be pruned hard in late winter or very early spring.



J

Pruning Winter Jasmine

Jasminum Nudiflorum

Jasminum Nudiflorum

Winter Flowering Jasmine - Jasminum nudiflorum - are often seen as a straggly mass of untidy stems. Not too bad a description for the shrub generally. But, this can be changed by correct pruning of Winter Jasmine; at the correct time.

Simply cut back the flowered shoots, to below where the flowering started - as soon as possible after flowers have finished. Or, if grown as a close-cropped wall shrub, clip back the flowered growth with a pair of shears - once finished flowering.


Pruning Summer Jasmine

The golden form of Summer Jasmine

Golden Summer Jasmine

How to keep this vigorous climbing summer jasmine plant tidy, under control and producing masses of highly-scented white flowers.

The main reasons to prune summer jasmine - Jasminum officinale is to keep it under control and more importantly, to generate new vines. Providing all other conditions of care are in place, this should ensure masses of the pure white, highly fragrant flowers which are the main attraction.


K

Pruning Kalmia

Kalmia Latifolia

Kalmia Latifolia

Pruning Kalmia is the same instructions as pruning Rhododendrons.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


Pruning Guide for Kerria Japonica

Pruning Kerria

Pruning Kerria

It is important to prune Kerrias just after flowering in late Spring. The flowered shoots are simply cut back, allowing the new growth to ripen for next year's flower crop. It must be done right after flowering - certainly by mid-June for best effect.

Kerria japonica Flore plene, and Pleniflora, together with the variegated kerria Picta pr Variegatum are deciduous shrubs that flower early in the year on growth made in the previous year.


Pruning Kolkwitzia Amabilis

Kolkwitzia Amabilis - The Beauty Bush

Kolkwitzia Amabilis - The Beauty Bush

Kolkwitzia amabilis and other Kolkwitzias are not commonly known as Beauty Bush for nothing.

With proper pruning, this shrub has masses of arching stems of bell-like pink flowers in late spring or early summer.

You will need to be decisive when you prune this shrub, in order to get the best out of it. We show you how to prune Kolkwitzias.




L

Pruning Laurus Nobilis

Laurus nobilis

Laurus Nobilis

Bay trees are grown in all manner of situations. As a large shrub - given enough room - they will not need basic pruning. As an ornamental - topiary - Bay Leaf Tree, they will need regular pruning to keep them in a tidy shape.

Winter damage is often a problem of bay trees, with browning of much of the foliage - also wind scorch damage. Both problems can be addressed by pruning as required to remove the unsightly branches. they soon grow back.


Pruning Laurus Tinus - Viburnum

Laurus Tinus - French White

Laurus Tinus - French White

The easy thing to remember about pruning Viburnums - deciduous or evergreen - is that they should ideally be pruned soon after flowering. Within a month of finishing flowering is good, but a little later is also suitable. As some of them flower in winter, then the weather conditions outside may be the determining factor!

Viburnum are one of the most popular groups of shrubs with a wide range of growth habits and flowering times. Most flower either in winter or late spring. They all flower on stems or growths that we made in the year previous - starting from early spring and carrying on through summer. That is to say that they produce either flower buds or flowering wood/twigs in the year before actually flowering.


  • Lavandula - Lavender
  • Leucothoe - rarely, and if so, just to shape - in early spring

Pruning Lavatera

Lavatera-maritima

Lavatera Maritima

Pruning Lavatera is the same instructions as Hard Pruning.

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.


When and how to Prune Laurels

prunus laurocerasus

Prunus Laurocerasus

Cherry laurels are grown for a number of different reasons and purposes, but basically the pruning regime insofar as timing is concerned is the same for all. The main difference of how to prune laurels depends upon the variety and the habit of growth.

Some Laurels are grown as ground cover plants. Others are grown as , large shrubs, hedges or screens. As with all evergreen shrubs , they are best pruned in the growing season. If you want the added feature of flowers, then timing is quite important.


Pruning Leptospermum

Leptospermum Scoparium

Leptospermum Scoparium

Pruning Leptospermum is the same instructions as Rhododendrons.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


Pruning Leycesteria

Leycesteria Formosa

Leycesteria Formosa

Pruning Leycesteria is the same instructions as Hard Pruning

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.


Pruning Lilac Trees

Lilac Trees

Lilac Trees

Lilacs do not require too much Pruning - Here's how.

All that is normally required of a Syringa (Lilac), is the removal of faded flower. No more - unless you want to re-shape the bush. In the latter case, do it as you wish, right after flowering.

You may miss out on some flower the following year. It is important to take off the old flower growth before it starts to set seed. This will then allow new shoots to form, which will be the flowering growths for the next year. The sooner you 'de-head' - the faded flowers, the better the following year's flowers will be.


Pruning Honeysuckle - Lonicera

Lonicera periclymenum Serotina

Lonicera Periclymenum Serotina

Honeysuckle Pruning. If honeysuckles are pruned wrongly, then it could mean the loss of flowers for the following - or present - year. Pruning of honeysuckles is relatively easy, though can be a bit messy if pruning a neglected climber that has wrapped itself around an old trellis or frame for the last ten years!

Most will know Lonicera as climbing shrubs - better known as Honeysuckle. However, there are also a group of Loniceras - or Honeysuckles that are actually grown as shrubs.

M

Pruning Magnolias

Magnolia Heaven Scent

Magnolia Heaven Scent

Most Magnolia varieties grow to a regular shape with an open centre. They rarely need to be pruned for ‘shade’ purposes. If planted in the right place, then Magnolias rarely if ever need any pruning.

Understanding the growth habit of your proposed Magnolia, will ensure that you plant it in a sittuation where it does not need any pruning whatever, and will reward you with years of blooms – almost regardless of the weather. Almost – for Magnolias sometimes fall foul of late or hard frosts. Such damage can rob you of flowers for a whole year, and no pruning of any kind will help – other than to remove unsightly the dead blooms!


Pruning Mahonia Shrubs

Mahonia aquifolium Apollo

Mahonia aquifolium Apollo

In keeping with the general ease of maintaining and growing good Mahonia shrubs, the pruning aspect is well laid back and not always necessary. That’s in ideal circumstances of course and experience has taught me that ‘ideal situations’ do not always exist in gardening.

There are basically two different classes of Mahonias. The Mahonia aquifolium types are the lower growing spring flowering evergreens that find their way into public planting schemes because of their ultra hardy nature.


Pruning Acers - Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples

In an ideal world, there would be no need to prune your Acer. Generally speaking they are fine without being subject to the secateurs. But as with many shrubs that do not actually need pruning, we sometimes have a need to prune.

Other than formative pruning for those Acers which go on to make large shrubs or trees, the Acers and Japanese Maples in particular are best left alone. The main exception to this non pruning is the removal of dead and dying branches which have succumbed to the cold in the previous winter.


Pruning Mock Orange - Philadelphus

Philadelphus Belle Etoile

Philadelphus Belle Etoile

The Mock Orange - Philadelphus varieties - are well known for their heady scent - especially on an early summer morning or evening! Correct pruning is essential for this group of early summer flowering shrubs.

Prune too early and you will lose the flower buds for the current year. Prune too late and the shrub will not have enough time in the growing season to provide flowering stems for the following year. Don't panic - we are here with information and advice upon when and how to prune your Philadelphus.



N

  • Nandina


O

  • Olearia (Will shoot out from old wood, so can be cut back severely)

Pruning Osmanthus

Osmanthus Fragrans

Osmanthus Fragrans

Pruning Osmanthus is the same instructions as Azalea and Rhododendron Pruning and for or all other evergreen shrubs that flower in late winter, spring, or early summer.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.



P

  • Pachysandra - as and when required for shape and spread
  • Paeonia
  • Pear Trees
  • Pernettya - No pruning required. Cut back if necessary in April

Pruning Perovskia

Perovskia atriplicifolia Little Spire

Perovskia atriplicifolia Little Spire

Pruning Osmanthus is the same instructions as Pruning Buddleias.

This group of shrubs flower on new growth made in the current year, so it is to your advantage to prune the shrub well to produce many flowering shoots. These shoots that emerge as a result of properly pruning the Buddleja will have an upright, then arching habit of growth - totally unlike the 'wild' Buddleias that are seen on vacant building site - or growing out of walls!


Pruning Mock Orange - Philadelphus

Philadelphus Belle Etoile

Philadelphus Belle Etoile

The Mock Orange - Philadelphus varieties - are well known for their heady scent - especially on an early summer morning or evening! Correct pruning is essential for this group of early summer flowering shrubs.

Prune too early and you will lose the flower buds for the current year. Prune too late and the shrub will not have enough time in the growing season to provide flowering stems for the following year. Don't panic - we are here with information and advice upon when and how to prune your Philadelphus.


  • Phlomis - Trim as required for foliage effect - otherwise nil.
  • Phormium - Nil - simply remove dead or damaged foliage.
  • Phygelius - as a herbaceous perennial, simply cut back hard in the spring
  • Pittosporum
  • Potentilla

Pruning Photinia Red Robin Plant

Photinia Red Robin

Photinia Red Robin

Tree Red Robin Tree, hedge or shrub, is one of the most spectacular evergreens for foliage effect. Good, regular pruning will enhance its beauty.

Photinia Red Robin is grown for the spectacular new red foliage. Pruning throughout the year helps to encourage this spectacular foliage. Prune back quite hard after the foliage has faded to a dull bronze. This will ensure a further 'crop' of new growth. As with other evergreens, it is best to prune Photinia Red Robin in the growing, and not dormant, seasons.


How to Prune Pieris – Lily of the Valley Bush

Pieris japonica

Pieris Japonica

The group of Pieris shrubs fall into the very easy to prune category, because basically they do not need to be pruned – unless we gardeners have done something wrong, or there has been some form of damage. The Pieris are closely related to the Rhododendrons – sharing the same likes and dislikes as most others in the Ericaceous family.

Pruning Pieris can generally be confined to dead heading the flowers before they set seed and generally start to look a little untidy. Pieris tend to flower in March, through until early April, but in some seasons a little earlier.


Pruning Prunus Triloba

Prunus Triloba

Prunus Triloba

Prunus Triloba is to be hard pruned for the best results.

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.

Don't forget that it now has a root system that was used to supporting and feeding the old large shrub. It will 'pump' soil moisture and nutrients to ensure that the shrub gets back to 'normal size' as soon as possible.


When and how to Prune Laurels

prunus laurocerasus

Prunus Laurocerasus

Cherry laurels are grown for a number of different reasons and purposes, but basically the pruning regime insofar as timing is concerned is the same for all. The main difference of how to prune laurels depends upon the variety and the habit of growth.

Some Laurels are grown as ground cover plants. Others are grown as , large shrubs, hedges or screens. As with all evergreen shrubs , they are best pruned in the growing season. If you want the added feature of flowers, then timing is quite important.


Pruning Pyracantha

Pyracantha branch

Pyracantha Branch

Pyracantha are grown in a number of different ways, stand alone shrubs; hedges; wall plants; screening and small trees, so it is as well to know a little about how they flower and subsequently berry, before the act of pruning or trimming.

They have the advantage of being fully evergreen shrubs that have masses of creamy white flowers in early summer, with masses of orange to red berries from late summer. One wrong pruning session can wipe out flowers and berries for at least a year!



R

Pruning Redcurrants

Redcurrants

Redcurrants

Red Currants are pruned differently to Black Currants.

Most of the problems associated with lack of fruit on red currant bushes is owing to the wrong method of pruning. Get the pruning right – at the right time – and red currants are hardly ever a problem. There is one very important thing to realize about red currants fruiting, and once you fully realise that, then the pruning is a simple matter and everything falls into place!


Pruning Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons

Azalea and Rhododendron Pruning and for or all other evergreen shrubs that flower in late winter, spring, or early summer.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


Pruning Ribes - Flowering Currant

Ribes Pulborough Scarlet

Ribes Pulborough Scarlet

The Ribes flower early in the Spring - just after Forsythia.

Whilst the Ribes do not actually need pruning to flower well, if the shrub has been planted in the wrong place and outgrown its position, then you will need to prune the Ribes to a/ get it back into proportion, and b/ regular pruning to ensure that it does not again outgrow its position.


How to Prune Robinia Frisia

Robinia frisia

Robinia frisia

Pruning large trees is not a job for the amateur gardener - it needs a professional tree surgeon with proper insurance.

However, before the tree gets to this height it can be pruned carefully with a pole saw or long arm lopper.

It is important to bear in mind when pruning, that Robinia Frisia has very brittle stems. They are liable to snap off well before the cut is halfway through the branch.

Robinia pseudoacacia Frisia is often planted a small tree in small gardens, but soon outgrows its position - both in speed and also size.


Pruning Rose Bushes

Rose Peace

Rose Peace

All rose bushes (Hybrid Tea and Floribundas) benefit from hard pruning in the spring. Rose flowers are borne on the tips of new growth and pruning back hard encourages the rose bush to send out plenty of new shoots. Pruning also encourages a better shape, with the flowers not too far from the ground! Un-pruned or 'snipped-at' roses can get to a metre or so height in 2 years, with flowers at the top of straggly growth, and lots of prickly stems totally devoid of foliage at the lower half of the rose bush.


Pruning Rosemary

Rosmarinus Prostratus

Rosmarinus Prostratus

Rosemary shrubs are relatively trouble-free. However, they do require a bit of pruning from time to time. In recent years we have seen the re-introduction of Rosemary Topiary specimens.

Left to their own devices, Rosemary generally look after themselves, but pruning after flowering is sometimes beneficial. Be aware that like the Lavenders - with which they are often confused - Rosemary are not particularly fond of being hacked back. That having been said, hard pruning at the right time - late spring - is an option for well overgrown and neglected plants.


Pruning The Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon

Hypericums are a wide range of garden shrubs, but generally fall into two groups as far as pruning is concerned. St Johns Wort and Rose of Sharon types.

The shrubby varieties of HHypericum such as Hypericum 'Hidcote' should be pruned in spring - March or April depending upon area and weather conditions. The low growing Hypericum calycinum - better known as St John Wort - should be pruned hard in late winter or very early spring.


Rejuvenation Pruning of Shrubs

Pruning of Shrubs

Pruning of Shrubs

Many old shrubs can be rejuvenated by cutting back some - or all - of the mature growth. It can either be carried out in one hit, or more sensibly in stages.

Most will know that 3 in 1 oil works wonders for getting things moving again. For getting shrubs moving again, let’s reverse the numbers and think 1 in 3. One in three is a basic shrub pruning technique that really does wonders for a wide range of shrubs - mainly deciduous but also with a few evergreens that can benefit from selective shoot pruning. Basically, you select one stem or branch in every three and cut it back near to ground level at the base of the shrub.



S

Pruning Salix

Salix Alba

Salix Alba

To Prune Salix for the instructions for Dogwoods, Many Dogwoods - are grown for their colourful stems throughout the winter months. For this to be successful, it needs a particular kind of pruning - easy!

We take you through the pruning exercise and tell you when and how to prune your Dogwoods.

You need to prune at the right time, which is late Winter or early Spring.


Pruning Sambucus

Sambucus

Sambucus

To Prune Sambucus follow the instructions for Hard Pruning.

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.


Pruning Skimmia

skimia-japonica-rubella

Skimia Japonica Rubella

To Prune Skimmia follow the instructions for Hard Pruning.

The most basic form of pruning - often sufficient, is simply to dead-head the old flowers - before they are allowed to make seed - by cutting back to first set of buds. If any shoots spoil the overall shape of the shrub, they can be cut back to a suitable position.


Pruning Spiraea

Spiraea Japonica

Spiraea Japonica

Most Spiraea shrubs should be pruned right after flowering. However, there are also some varieties that should be pruned at the beginning of the growing season (Spring).

Spring and early summer flowering varieties include Spiraea 'Arguta', Spiraea Snowmound, S. Goldflame, S. Little Princes, S. japonica 'Anthony Waterer', Spiraea japonica Shirobana (There are others). All of these should be pruned as soon as flowering is finished - See below. All of these varieties are normally finished flowering by end of June (UK)


Pruning Syringa

Pruning Syringa

Pruning Syringa

Lilacs do not require too much Pruning - Here's how. All that is normally required of a Syringa (Lilac), is the removal of faded flower. No more - unless you want to re-shape the bush. In the latter case, do it as you wish, right after flowering.

It is important to take off the old flower growth before it starts to set seed. This will then allow new shoots to form, which will be the flowering growths for the next year. The sooner you 'de-head' - the faded flowers, the better the following year's flowers will be.


Pruning St Johns Wort

St Johns Wort

St Johns Wort

Hypericums are a wide range of garden shrubs, but generally fall into two groups as far as pruning is concerned. St Johns Wort and Rose of Sharon types.

The shrubby varieties of HHypericum such as Hypericum 'Hidcote' should be pruned in spring - March or April depending upon area and weather conditions. The low growing Hypericum calycinum - better known as St John Wort - should be pruned hard in late winter or very early spring.



T

Pruning Tamarix Tentandra

Tamarix Tentandra

Tamarix Tentandra

There are two basic types of Tamarix - Spring flowering and late summer/autumn flowering.

We deal with the spring flowering Tamarix tentandra here, which requires different pruning for the other types.

Tamarix Tentandra Grown as a small tree - The flowers and flowering stems are made in the growing season before actual flowering, so stems allowed to grow in late spring/summer 2008, will produce flowers in Spring 2009. If the stems are pruned late in the year, then they will not have enough time to grow into flowering branches for the next year. You will lose a year of flower!


Pruning Tamarix Pentandra

Tamarix-pentandra-flowers

Tamarix Pentandra Flowers

Hard pruning in Spring for Shrubs that flower late mid-late summer on current season's growth Tamarix pentandra.

To rejuvenate old shrubs or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum. Most shrubs can be given a new lease of life by cutting back hard. However, realise that the shrub will not stay small simply because you have given it a short back and sides. It will spring back into growth with a new enthusiasm.



V

Pruning Viburnum

Viburnum Tinus - French White

Viburnum Tinus - French White

The easy thing to remember about pruning Viburnums - deciduous or evergreen - is that they should ideally be pruned soon after flowering. Within a month of finishing flowering is good, but a little later is also suitable. As some of them flower in winter, then the weather conditions outside may be the determining factor!

Viburnum are one of the most popular groups of shrubs with a wide range of growth habits and flowering times. Most flower either in winter or late spring. They all flower on stems or growths that we made in the year previous - starting from early spring and carrying on through summer. That is to say that they produce either flower buds or flowering wood/twigs in the year before actually flowering.



W

Pruning Weigela

Pink Weigela

Pink Weigela

Pruning Weigela is necessary if you want to keep the shrub in good condition with plenty of good sized flowers and healthy fresh foliage.

Weigela should be pruned immediately after flowering in early summer. As with many shrubs that flower at this time of year, they produce flowers on wood made in the previous season (year). If you prune your Weigela late in the year, then it will not have time in to grow mature wood for flowering next summer. If you prune your Weigela early in the year (before it flowers) then you will be cutting off the flower buds that developed last year, and there will be no flowers on it until the following year.


Pruning Wisteria Sinensis

How to Prune Wisteria Sinensis

Wisteria Sinensis

Pruning Wisteria is not essential where they have room to roam and colonise a wall frame or sturdy trellis. Wisteria will wander and flower in this situation without any pruning. However, if the Wisteria is growing in a confined space, or at least needs to be constrained, then pruning will be necessary as set out below.

If you want the best flowers on your Wisteria, then it is important to prune your Wisteria, and prune your wisteria at the right time. We show you when to prune wisterias, and also how to prune wisterias.




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