While it may initially appear daunting, the task of pruning and maintaining shrubs is simpler than you might think. The complexity arises from the fact that each type of shrub requires a unique approach when it comes to pruning. This is largely due to their varying flowering times and types. To help you navigate this, we've compiled our top tips on how to effectively prune shrubs, taking into account their specific flowering time or type. This guidance aims to ensure your shrubs remain healthy and aesthetically pleasing throughout the year.
Spring Shrub Pruning
Shrubs that bloom from the month of July through to October can be effectively pruned during the spring season. This strategic timing prepares them optimally for the forthcoming summer. The growth from the previous year can be pruned back to just two or three buds, leaving a robust framework in place for the emergence of new growth. This pruning approach is particularly suitable for plants such as Honeysuckle, Heather, and Star Jasmine.
Summer Shrub Pruning
Shrubs that bloom from the month of November through to June should ideally be pruned immediately after they have finished flowering. To accomplish this, you should prune back the stems that have flowered, cutting them as low as possible on an upright shoot. It's recommended to remove one stem for every three, reducing them to a height of approximately 25-45cm. This pruning advice is particularly applicable to varieties such as Lilac, Magnolia, and Berberis.
Evergreen Trees & Shrubs
Evergreen shrubs, in contrast to their deciduous counterparts, maintain their leaves throughout the winter season. This is a significant advantage as they do not require to store nutrients in their roots like deciduous plants do, which shed their leaves in autumn. It is highly recommended to prune these types of shrubs only after they have completed their flowering cycle. Undertaking the pruning process before they have flowered can potentially harm the plant, disrupting its natural growth and development.
If you observe that an evergreen plant appears to be in need of renovation, the optimal time to carry out this task is in the late winter and early spring period, just before the plant initiates its growth phase. This timing ensures that the plant can recover and flourish in the upcoming growing season. The renovation process involves deadheading the spent flowers and removing any damaged or old growth. This not only improves the plant's appearance but also promotes healthier and more vigorous growth.