As winter fades and spring sunshine coaxes green shoots from the ground, many gardeners feel the irresistible pull to tidy up and get their yards in shape. Pruning shrubs seems like an obvious place to start—but not so fast. Timing is everything, and pruning at the wrong moment could mean snipping away the very blooms you’ve been waiting all winter to enjoy.
To help you make smart decisions this season, here’s a handy guide to which shrubs are ready for pruning now—and which ones are best left untouched until later.
The Golden Rule of Spring Pruning
Before grabbing your shears, remember this:
Prune summer-blooming shrubs in early spring, and prune spring bloomers after they flower.
Why? It all comes down to how each plant grows and flowers. Some shrubs bloom on “new wood”—this season’s fresh growth. Others bloom on “old wood,” meaning stems that developed last year. Cutting the latter too early will strip away this year’s flower buds before they even open.
And always, no matter the plant:
- Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease.
- Avoid cutting more than one-third of a plant at a time.
- Hold off on pruning newly planted shrubs until they’ve matured for at least three years.
- Light touch-ups to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches can be done any time of year.
5 Shrubs You Can Prune Right Now
1. Fuchsias
These vibrant shrubs, known for their whimsical, dangling blooms, only flower on new wood. That means spring is the perfect time to prune them back. While they rarely need major shaping, mature fuchsias can reach up to 10 feet tall—so a spring trim can help maintain a more manageable size.
2. New-wood Blooming Hydrangeas
Some hydrangeas—like smooth hydrangea (‘Annabelle’), panicle hydrangea, and climbing hydrangea—bloom on new growth. Prune them in late winter or early spring to encourage fuller blooms. Just be sure to confirm the variety before cutting, as others may bloom on old wood (more on that below).
3. Red and Yellow Twig Dogwoods
Planted for their bold winter stems, these dogwoods benefit from spring pruning. Removing older, duller stems stimulates the growth of fresh, colorful canes. Focus on cutting back about a third of the oldest branches each year for the best display.
4. Crape Myrtle
A summer favorite in the South, crape myrtle responds well to early spring pruning. But avoid the common mistake of “topping” or pollarding—this ruins the tree’s natural form. Instead, thin crowded trunks from the base and remove any suckers or awkward crossing branches.
5. Spiraea
These carefree shrubs benefit from a spring shape-up. Remove up to a third of the oldest stems to promote air flow and new growth. But be gentle—over-pruning can reduce their flowering. A light touch keeps them healthy and bursting with blooms.
5 Shrubs to Avoid Pruning in Spring
1. Lilacs
Tempted to tidy up your lilacs now? Resist the urge. These fragrant spring bloomers form buds on last year’s growth. Prune them after flowering if needed—or if blooms start to decline. For older shrubs, remove one-third of the oldest canes at the base each year over three years to rejuvenate the plant without sacrificing flowers.
2. Rhododendrons & Azaleas
These closely related spring bloomers set their buds the previous season. Pruning now means no blooms this year. Instead, wait until after they finish flowering, then trim for shape or size. If they’re looking leggy, you can gradually rejuvenate them by removing a third of the oldest stems annually.
3. Old-wood Blooming Hydrangeas
Here’s where it gets tricky. Bigleaf hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and mountain hydrangeas bloom on old wood. Pruning these too early removes the buds and with them, your summer flowers. If trimming is needed, do it right after the bloom cycle ends.
4. Forsythia
A cheerful early-spring bloomer, forsythia should only be pruned after it finishes flowering. It’s fast-growing and can handle a hard cutback if it gets unruly—but don’t rush it. Enjoy its yellow show first, then prune as needed.
5. Viburnum
With over 150 species in its family, viburnum is a diverse group. Most bloom on old wood and require little maintenance. If you must prune to control shape or size, wait until after the flowers fade. In general, these shrubs are happiest when left mostly alone.
Final Thought: Let Nature Set the Pace
Spring gardening is as much about patience as it is about action. While the urge to tidy and trim is strong, sometimes the best care you can give your garden is knowing when not to interfere.
So before you start snipping, take a moment to observe your plants. Know what species you’re working with, and understand their unique blooming patterns. A well-timed prune can lead to a season full of blooms—while a hasty cut may mean a year of regret.
This spring, let nature lead—and you’ll be rewarded with a garden that thrives.
