Pruning Tips

A Gardener’s Rule of Thumb

If it blooms in spring……………………………………………………Prune just after the blooms fade

If it blooms in summer…………………………………………………Prune in winter before new growth begins in Spring

Broadleaf evergreens…………………………………………………..Prune in late winter before new growth starts

A Few Specific Plant Types:

Encore azaleas……………………………..Prune after spring bloom

Hydrangeas:

H. macrophylla/ H. quercifolia [mophead, lacecap, bigleaf, oakleaf (incl. Snowflake)]

     – Prune, if needed, as flowers begin to fade. Do not prune after July

H. arborescens/ H. paniculate  [panicle, PeeGee, climbing, Endless Summer, smooth (incl. Annabelle)]

     – Can be pruned from right after blooming through late winter

     – Endless Summer – Deadhead to encourage continuous bloom

     – Annabelle – Cut to ground in winter for larger blooms. If they tend to flop over, prune stems to 18-24″

Roses…….. You need to know whether the variety blooms on old or new wood, or a combination of the two. There are many rose care and pruning guides online.

Crape myrtles …….. Prune, if needed, in winter. Don’t cut back hard from the top as this creates lots of weak new stems that flop over after a rain. Google “Crape Murder” for more info!