Planting Tips
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Pruning Flowering Shrubs
March Pruning:
Azalea Deutzia Forsythia Hydrangea Lilac
Fall Pruning:
Mock Orange Pieris japonica Rhododendron Spirea Vibernum
Pruning Flowering Shrubs
These types of shrubs bloom on new growth. In early March cut these shrubs down to six to twelve inches from the ground. This will allow the shrub to produce plenty of new growth and masses of flowers each year. It will also keep these shrubs to a manageable size.
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) Hypericum (St. John’s Wart) Callicarpa (Purple Beautyberry) Ornamental Grasses Caryopteris (Bluebeard)
Early Spring:
Roses should also be pruned in the spring. Using a sharp shears remove all dead, diseased or damaged wood. Cut back until you hit healthy stems. Next, remove any crossing shoots and weak or spindly growth. Make a clean cut just above a healthy bud. When pruning hybrid teas, grandifloras, and floribundas, prune back to 18”-24”. Choose 4 or 5 strong, healthy canes to keep. Make sure they are away from the center of the rose and away from each other, making for maximum air and sun. Prune all other canes and side branches as far back as possible. Climbing roses should be pruned lightly for the first 4 years. Just cut out dead wood and do a little thinning so branches don’t crown and cover one another. The fifth year prune hard. Remove the oldest looking main stems and do a lot of thinning.
Late Spring/Summer Pruning:
These types of shrubs bloom on old growth (last year’s growth). They should be pruned as soon as they have finished flowering. If they are pruned in early March, it is likely they will not flower. Begin by removing any dead wood, then cut back branches to a leaf node or lower branch. Also, attempt to keep shrub in a natural, even shape. Some shrubs, like Spirea may re-bloom in summer.
These shrubs benefit from a fall trimming. This will help keep shrub to a manageable size and even form. First, remove any dead wood. Then, shape shrub by cutting any uneven growth. To decrease the overall size, work your way around the shrub cutting to a lower branch or leaf node.
Abelia Clethra (Summersweet) Cotoneaster Itea (Sweetspire) Lavender
Potentilla Pyracantha Rose of Sharon Weigela