Pruning Spring Flowering Shrubs
Bring your overgrown lilacs (Syringa), Forsythia and other spring flowering shrubs down to size while maintaining their natural beauty and spring floral display.
Prune spring blooming shrubs right after flowering. These shrubs set their flower buds in summer and pruning any other time will eliminate the all important spring floral display.
You'll need safety glasses to protect your eyes and gloves. Use bypass pruners that make a clean cut that closes quickly. Cut small stems 1/2 inch diameter or less with hand pruners. Use loppers to extend your reach and cut slightly bigger stems and a pruning saw for the rest.
Start by removing any crossed or dead branches. Then remove a few of the larger stems, on suckering shrubs, right back to ground level. Reduce the height on the remaining stems as needed. Make your cut on a slight angle above an outward facing bud or stem.
A bit more information: Summer blooming shrubs like Potentillas, summer blooming spireas, and Annabelle hydrangeas form their flowers on new growth. Prune these, when needed, in late winter or early spring before growth begins or anytime during the dormant season.
Related
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin
March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now
April 1, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now
April 11, 2023
Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited
Register now
April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now
April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More