As the days stretch longer and the chill of winter finally begins to loosen its grip, the garden stirs awake. It’s a natural impulse—after months of dormancy, gardeners are eager to tidy up, prune, and prepare for the explosion of color and life that spring promises. But when it comes to pruning shrubs, timing is everything. Cut the wrong plant at the wrong time, and you might be snipping away this year’s blooms before they even get a chance to shine.
Here’s a straightforward guide to five shrubs that should be pruned right now—and five that definitely should wait.
✂️ 5 Shrubs You Can Prune in Early Spring
The general rule of thumb? If it flowers in summer, prune it in spring. These plants bloom on new wood—fresh growth from the current season—so trimming them now won’t interfere with their flowering later in the year.
1. Fuchsia
These lively, pendant-flowered shrubs bring a festive air to any garden, and luckily for us, they’re straightforward when it comes to pruning. Since fuchsias bloom on new growth, you can safely prune them in early spring. While they’re generally low-maintenance, some varieties can grow quite tall (up to 10 feet), so trim to manage size and shape before new shoots take off.
2. Panicle, Smooth, and Climbing Hydrangeas
Not all hydrangeas are created equal—some bloom on new wood, and others on old. Panicle (Hydrangea paniculata), smooth (Hydrangea arborescens), and climbing varieties all flower on new stems, which means now’s the time to prune. Cut back leggy or weak stems to encourage bushy new growth and abundant blooms. Just make sure you’ve identified your hydrangea variety correctly before picking up the shears.
3. Red Twig and Yellow Twig Dogwoods
Loved for their vivid winter stems, these dogwoods are best pruned in early spring to keep the color show going. The youngest stems have the brightest hues, so removing older, duller stems encourages fresh, colorful growth. Aim to prune out about one-third of the oldest stems at the base to maintain a vibrant display year after year.
4. Crape Myrtle
A staple in Southern gardens, crape myrtle delivers dazzling late-summer blooms and has a graceful, arching form. Prune it in early spring to remove crossed branches and suckers at the base, but avoid aggressive topping or pollarding, which ruins its natural shape. Light, thoughtful pruning goes a long way here.
5. Spiraea
Spiraea is a forgiving shrub that benefits from spring pruning. Thin it by removing up to one-third of the oldest stems at the base, then shape it lightly. Over-pruning can affect the bloom, so be conservative—your reward will be a flush of flowers later in the season.
🚫 5 Shrubs You Shouldn’t Prune Right Now
If a shrub flowers in spring, it’s likely blooming on old wood—the growth it put on last year. Prune these plants now, and you risk losing this season’s flowers entirely.
1. Lilacs
These beloved, fragrant bloomers should be left alone until after their spring display. Only prune when flowering has slowed or if they’ve become leggy. For rejuvenation, remove one-third of the oldest stems at the base each year over three years—but wait until flowering ends to do so.
2. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Both members of the same family, azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in early spring and set their buds the previous year. Prune only after flowering to maintain shape or size. If needed, remove a third of the oldest trunks each season to slowly revitalize the plant. Know your variety—some modern cultivars rebloom and may have different needs.
3. Oakleaf, Mountain, and Bigleaf Hydrangeas
These hydrangeas form their flower buds on old wood. Pruning them now is a surefire way to lose this year’s blooms. Wait until after flowering finishes in summer before doing any shaping. When in doubt, leave them be—these plants don’t need much intervention anyway.
4. Forsythia
The cheerful yellow blooms of forsythia are a welcome sight in early spring. Let them finish their show before pruning. Once the flowers have faded, you can cut it back hard—it’s a vigorous grower and will bounce back quickly.
5. Viburnum
With nearly 150 species, viburnums vary, but most bloom on old wood and need minimal pruning. If shaping is necessary, do it right after flowering. In general, viburnum thrives best when left to grow into its natural form with minimal interference.
🛠️ A Few Final Pruning Tips
- Don’t go overboard: Never remove more than one-third of a shrub at a time. Over-pruning can stress the plant and lead to excessive, weak growth.
- Clean cuts only: Use sharp, sanitized tools to prevent damage and the spread of disease.
- Mind young plants: Newly planted shrubs shouldn’t be pruned until they’re well established—typically in their third or fourth year.
- Dead wood exception: Dead, damaged, or diseased branches can be removed any time of year.
In Summary
Spring pruning doesn’t have to be a mystery. With just a little plant knowledge and some strategic timing, you can set your garden up for a spectacular season. As tempting as it is to start trimming everything in sight, remember: sometimes the best gardening is knowing when not to act. Let nature lead—and your shrubs will thank you in bloom.
