When to Prune Flowering Shrubs

by Dr. Douglas F. Welsh, Landscape Horticulturist
Texas AgriLife Extension Service

If a shrub is grown for its flowers, time the pruning to minimize disruption of blooming. Spring-flowering shrubs bloom on last season's growth and should be pruned soon after they bloom. This allows for vigorous summertime growth and results in plenty of flower buds the following year.

Erythrina bidwilli, Coral Bean Tree

Some examples of shrubs that bloom on last seasons's growth are:

Cercis canadensis - Redbud

Chaenomeles japonica

- Japanese Quince

Chionanthus virginicus

- Fringe Tree

Forsythia

spp. - all Forsythia species

Lonicera

spp. - Honeysuckle

Raphiolepis indica

- Indian Hawthorn

Rhododendron

spp. - Azaleas & Rhododendrons

Rosa spp.

- Rambling Rose species

Spiraea

spp. - early white Spirea species

Viburnum

spp. - Viburnum species

Some shrubs that bloom after June usually do so from buds which are formed on shoots that grow the same spring. These shrubs should be pruned in late winter to promote vigorous shoot growth in spring.

Examples of shrubs that bloom on current season's growth include:

Abelia X. grandiflora

- glossy Abelia

Buddleia davidii

or B. globose - Butterfly Bush

Hibiscus syriacus

- Shrub Althea

Hydrangea arborescens

- Hills of Snow

Hypericum

spp. - Saint-Johns-wort

Lagerstroemia indica

- Crape Myrtle

Rosa spp. - Bush Rose

Vitex agnus-castus

- Chaste Tree

For complete information on pruning shrubs, consult our website at https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu

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