When it comes to pruning bushes and shrubs in the spring, although there are quite a few varieties you need to keep your clippers far away from, there are a few that you must prune in the spring – and only in the spring!
Spring can bring a flurry of growth and activity to the landscape. Perennial plants begin to come alive – and many bushes and shrubs begin to sprout with their first foliage. But it can be tough for many gardeners to know which plants should be cut back – and which should be left alone.
Unfortunately, cutting back some shrubs in the spring can mean cutting off their future blooms. This is especially true for rhododendrons, wisteria and some hydrangea varieties.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few that do require spring pruning. And can cutting back these bushes early ever pay big off big time with bigger blooms – and healthier growth!
3 Bushes You Must Prune In The Spring
1. Pruning Butterfly Bushes Early
When it comes to flowering bushes that need pruning in the spring, butterfly bushes are at the top of the list. Pruning these bushes early in the season is important not just to keep them healthy – but also full of flowers.
Butterfly bushes bloom on new wood, which means they produce flowers on the growth that appears in the current season. If you prune them in mid-summer, fall or winter, you cut off their future blooms.
But even more, if you prune it in late summer or fall – you also risk damaging the plant. Why? Because the new growth will help protect it from cold weather of the next winter season
When spring arrives and the danger of frost has passed, you can start pruning a butterfly bush. Look for new green shoots coming from the base of the plant or along the lower stems. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, cut back the old, woody stems to about 12 to 24 inches from the ground.
If the bush has grown very large and you want to control its size, you can cut it even lower. This encourages stronger growth and helps the bush maintain a more manageable shape. A balanced fertilizer should also be applied for a good spring boost. Affiliate Link: Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer 10-10-10
After pruning, add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Finish by watering the bush to help set the fertilizer – and get it ready for a great growing season ahead!
2. Why You Must Prune Rose Of Sharon Bushes In The Spring Only
Pruning Rose of Sharon in the spring is also important for keeping the plant healthy and full of blooms. Just like a butterfly bush, it flowers on new wood. If you prune in the summer, fall or winter, you will reduce the number of flowers it produces.
Waiting until spring ensures that you only remove what is necessary while allowing the plant to grow strong. Cutting it back early in the growing season encourages stronger growth and more blossoms in the summer.
To prune, wait until the last frost has passed and new growth starts to appear. Start by cutting back any dead or weak branches. You can then trim the entire plant down by about one-third if you want to maintain its shape and size.
Removing excess branches improves air circulation, which helps prevent disease and pest problems. It also allows sunlight to reach the inner parts of the plant, encouraging better flowering.
If the bush has become too large, you can cut it back even more aggressively. Rose of Sharon is very hardy and will bounce back quickly. It’s important to prune this extremely fast grower back every year. If you skip pruning, the bush can become overgrown, with fewer blooms and weaker branches that often break under their own weight.
Much as with butterfly bushes, fertilize and mulch after pruning. This will set the stage for a strong flower set that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all season long.
3. Cutting Back Smooth & Panicle Hydrangea Bushes
Panicle and Smooth Hydrangea are two varieties of bushes that need pruning in the spring in order to keep them blooming big and strong. Both of these hydrangea types flower on new wood, and will produce blossoms on fresh growth from the current season.
Cutting them back in early spring encourages strong stems and larger flowers. Unfortunately, if you wait too late in the season to prune, the plant may not have enough time to develop new growth, leading to fewer or no blooms at all.
To prune, wait until the last frost has passed and new buds start to emerge. Begin by removing any dead, weak, and overcrowded branches. For Panicle hydrangeas, trim back about one-third of the plant to maintain its shape.
Smooth hydrangeas can be cut down a little more drastically, sometimes to just 6–12 inches from the ground. This is because they grow back fast and strong.
Spring pruning helps prevent these hydrangea types from becoming too leggy and promotes a more balanced shape. Removing weaker stems also improves air circulation to keep the bush far healthier.
Without regular pruning, the bushes often produce smaller, weaker blooms. They also grow more unevenly, making them look a little less vibrant in the landscape.
After pruning, water hydrangeas well. In addition, add a slow-release fertilizer to boost growth. With proper spring pruning, Panicle and smooth hydrangeas will reward you with lush, beautiful flowers throughout the summer.
Here is to making sure you prune the bushes that are a must to cut back in the spring – and stay away from those you shouldn’t! For more on that subject, check out our article: 4 Flowering Bushes & Shrubs You Should Never Prune In The Spring
Simple Garden Life
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