The rule of thumb for pruning or cutting back shrubs is this: if it flowers before June, cut it back immediately after flowering. If it flowers after June, cut it back first thing in the spring. The reason for this rule is because spring blooming (before June) shrubs form flowers on the previous years’ growth, so if you cut it in the spring you will be cutting off the stems that will be producing flowers that season. Shrubs grown primarily for their foliage (dogwood, burning bush, dappled willows etc) should be pruned in the early spring, before new growth starts.
Spring pruning (just as growth starts)
- late blooming (pink) spireas
- peegee hydrangeas
- burning bush
- late blooming clematis
- holly, very early, while still dormant
- rose of sharon
- late blooming heathers
- cotoneaster (minimal)
- yew, before new growth starts, then several times during season
- weigelia
- late blooming lilacs
- shrub roses
- early blooming clematis
- rose of sharon
- sand cherry
- mock orange
- rhododendrons
- magnolias
- early heathers
- barberry
- early blooming (bridal wreath) spirea
- forsythia
- most lilacs
Most helpful! Thanks.