FAQs
If the shrub is thin or lanky, encourage new growth by trimming individual branches back by no more than one-quarter their length. Cut just above a node, which looks like a small bump on the stem where new growth will appear. The best time to prune is right after the plant flowers.
Should you trim bushes when they are flowering? ›
Spring flowering shrubs (those that bloom before mid-June) should be pruned after flowering. Their flower buds develop during the previous growing season on “old wood." If pruned too early, you will remove the flower buds.
Can you trim flowering shrubs in the summer? ›
Trim shrubs in the summer as soon as possible after flowering to favor as many of next year's flower buds as possible. The later into the summer pruning is done, the more gentle it should be to preserve as many flower buds as possible.
Is it too late to prune flowering shrubs? ›
After “how?", the second most-asked question we get about pruning is “when?” (Or, "Can I prune this now?") The rule of thumb is to prune immediately after bloom for flowering shrubs, in late winter or early spring for non-blooming shrubs (particularly for heavy pruning), and not after mid-August for any shrubs.
How do you take care of a flowering shrub? ›
Give Your Shrubs the Right Nutrients
Adding compost when planting helps provide good drainage and micronutrients in the soil, but flowering shrubs use a lot of energy to produce blooms. Add a slow-release fertilizer appropriate for the variety of flowering shrub you've planted to give them a boost of energy.
When should you not trim bushes? ›
Avoid trimming deciduous bushes in late summer or fall.
You could encourage new growth that can't handle the upcoming frost.
Is there a bad time to trim bushes? ›
Do not prune deciduous shrubs in late summer. Pruning shrubs in August or early September may encourage a late flush of growth.
Does summer pruning restrict growth? ›
Help slow growth
Summer is a good time to prune if you would like to slow the growth of a tree or branch. Pruning reduces the the total leaf surface, which reduces the amount of food produced and sent to the roots.
What does it mean to prune after flowering? ›
Pinching or cutting off dead and spent flowers and foliage gets rid of the unsightly growth while forcing production of new stems, leaves, and flowers. For some plants, new flowers will not grow until spent flowers are removed.
What month is best to trim shrubs? ›
Shrubs that bloom in summer or fall, only on new growth, should be pruned in winter after the first freeze or in spring before the ground gets warm enough to start growth. Shrubs that produce ornamental fruits should be pruned after the fruit drops or before growth begins in early spring (so wintertime).
For every stem that is cut back, two will form, doubling the number of blooms. The little bit of time it takes you to cut back or pinch perennials before flowering will reward you with more flowers, and the time of having to stake plants later.
Is it better to trim bushes in the fall or spring? ›
When in doubt, always remember this advice from The Grumpy Gardener: "The best time to prune a flowering tree, shrub, or vine is after it finishes blooming. Prune summer-flowering woody plants in late fall or winter.
What is the easiest flowering shrub? ›
Easiest to Grow Flowering Shrubs: Shrub Rose
Every garden needs at least one rose bush, and shrub roses are the least fussy type of rose to plant, as they are hardy and disease resistant. Some also are fragrant.
When to prune and fertilize shrubs? ›
Always cut back the next bud or side branch and don't prune it down to the wood or the branch will die off. Spring is also the ideal time to start a feeding schedule for your trees and shrubs. We recommend fertilizing trees and shrubs in the early part of the growing season.
Does pruning induce flowering? ›
Induce flowering and fruiting
Pruning, for some fruit-bearing shrubs and trees, encourages flowering to produce off-season fruits. Pruning enables the canopy to open up, allowing more sunlight to enter and stimulate the flower bud formation.
