Pruning shrubs – the basics

Evergreen shrubs

When is the best time to prune?

After flowering (e.g. Camellia, Rhododendron)

Where do I start?

Deadhead down to a healthy outward facing bud

Remove any diseased or dying stems, then any old or spindly stems to leave a lovely open framework

Deciduous shrubs

When is the best time to prune?

If your shrub flowers from July to October then prune in the spring (e.g. Spirea japonica, Hibiscus)

If your shrub flowers from November to June then prune in the summer (e.g. Philadelphus, Weigela)

Where do I start?

For spring pruning, either just deadhead if your shrub is in good shape or cut back to 2-3 buds on strong healthy stems

For summer pruning, cut back to a healthy bud or side-shoot lower down