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.