Things You'll Need:
- Pruning tools;
- Secateurs (Pruners)
- Pruning saw
- Hedge Trimmer
-
Step 1
PRUNE TO KEEP SHRUBS BLOOMING! Many shrubs need pruning to increase their flowering capacity. One important use of pruning is to induce shrubs to make flowers rather than leaves. However pruning serves two purposes at once, while encouraging flowering shoots, at the same time it allows light to reach the fruit or flowers. Deciduous spring and early summer flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering. Cut back old wood with faded flowers to encourage new growth. Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum), forsythia (Forsythia spectabilis), mock orange (Philadelphus) and Rambler roses should have the older flowered shoots cut out to improve the chances of the new ones.
-
Step 2
Tangled shrub prunedPRUNING TO THIN OUT TANGLED SHRUBS; As shrubs grow older, there is a tendency for the stems to become too congested, and one use of pruning is to keep an open shape for those shrubs which need light and air to reach their center. Roses and Gooseberries are both best kept with a simple framework and an open center.
-
Step 3
WHEN AND WHERE TO PRUNE A SHRUB; When pruning any shrub, a vital consideration is weather it flowers on the previous or the new season's growth. If you prune a shrub which flowers on last year's wood in spring, then you are effectively cutting off this year's flowers. Timing is important. You must understand the growing habits of a shrub before you begin to prune it. Many established shrubs are pruned according to flowering habits, while young shrubs are often pruned hard at the time of planting. If in doubt always check shrub information before you start to cut away!
-
Step 4
Potentilla ShrubSOME SHRUBS TO PRUNE IN SPRING BEFORE FLOWERING; Lad's love (Artemisia abrotanum),Barberry, if necessary, Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), Common heather (Calluna vulgaris), Clematis (late-flowering species), Caryopteris, Red stemmed dogwood (Cornus alba), Bell heather (Erica cinerea), Cornish heath (Erica vagans), Fuchsia, Hypericum 'Hidcote', Bay (Laurus nobilis), Tree mallow (Lavatera olbia), Flowering nutmeg (Leycesteria), Honeysuckle varieties, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa), Cape figwort (Phygelius capensis), Potentilla, Roses (hybrid tea and floribunda types), Rue (Ruta graveolens), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Elder (Sambucus), Cotton lavender.
-
Step 5
Hydrangea ShrubSOME SHRUBS TO PRUNE AFTER FLOWERING; Clematis montana, Broom (Cytisus species), Deutzia, Escallonia, Forsythia, Spanish broom (Genista hispanica), Rock rose, Winter flowering jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), Jew's mallow (Kerria japonica), Mock orange (Philadelphus species), Cherries, Plums, Roses (ramblers and old-fashioned shrubs), Weigela, Hydrangea, Buddleia alternifolia.
-
Step 6
FANCY SHRUB FOLIAGE; Sometimes shrubs are pruned to encourage leaf shoots to grow, rather than flower shoots. This is done where the bark or stems are more attractive than the flowers; they may have vibrant autumn foliage or winter color. The red stemmed dogwood, Cornus alba Sibirica, is pruned this way. The old stems can be cut off just above ground level every spring, and new shoots rise up 3-4ft / 90-120cm. (In winter these scarlet wands are ideal for flower arranging.) The same method is also used for purple or white stemmed willows. Shrubs which do not have a central trunk should have their stems shortened after planting, to encourage a generous bush with plenty of stems. For instance, newly planted roses are cut down hard to coax lots of low shoots and give the roots time to establish before the bush becomes top heavy. Heathers are much better looking in later life if the leading shoots have had the tops nipped out from the first year.
-
Step 7
ALL SHRUB SHAPES AND SIZES; Naturally dense bushes, like Hebe, can have any long rogue shoots cut back to maintain the rounded form. It is worth- while noting that not all shrubs grow at a regular rate, one section may be more vigorous than another and the result is an asymmetrical shape. To rectify this, the weak shoots require hard pruning and the stronger shoots a light touch; this is because hard pruning stimulates growth. Often pruning is simply used to limit the size of a shrub. For instance, many which have become just too large for their situation can, of course, be cut right down to start again. This is true of roses, mock orange, hydrangeas, holly, laurel, yew and many others.
-
Step 8
SHRUBS WHICH NEED NO PRUNING; Some shrubs are better not pruned unless it is absolutely necessary. If they are planted with space to develop fully they may never need any pruning. This does not mean that they cannot be cut, say, for flower arrangements in your home. These shrubs, if left to themselves, provided they are planted in the correct position, will maintain a good shape. Some care is needed when cutting from conifers, however (firs, pines, cypresses and Leylandii). Cuts made into older wood will not sprout again, and caution is needed to avoid making a gap in the foliage. See below for a list of shrubs that don't need pruning...
