Don’t Prune Spring Blooming Plants In Fall

 

Think Before You Prune This Fall!

 

Before you grab the pruners this fall, make sure you know when your particular plant sets its flower buds. Many spring-flowering shrubs bloom on what’s called old wood, meaning their flower buds develop on stems produced during the previous growing season.

If you heavily prune one of these plants in fall or winter, you may accidentally remove the buds that would have produced next spring’s flowers. For many spring bloomers, the best time for significant pruning is shortly after they finish flowering.

 
 

Be Careful Pruning These in Fall

 

• Azaleas – Many Azaleas develop next year’s flower buds after their spring bloom, so fall pruning can remove those buds.

• Gardenias – Avoid unnecessary fall pruning. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, pruning late in the season can reduce future flowers and encourage tender new growth before cold weather.

• Forsythia – Forsythia flowers on old wood. If shaping is needed, prune shortly after its spring flowers fade.

• Some Hydrangeas – This one depends heavily on the type! Traditional Bigleaf and Oakleaf Hydrangeas primarily bloom on old wood, while Panicle and Smooth Hydrangeas bloom on new wood. Know which Hydrangea you have before pruning.

• Spring-Blooming Spirea – Spirea pruning depends on the variety. Spring-flowering types generally bloom on old wood and are best pruned after flowering, while summer-flowering varieties may be pruned at a different time.

• Spring-Blooming Viburnum – Many Viburnums flower on older growth. If pruning is necessary, waiting until after flowering helps preserve the spring display.

• Camellias – Camellias develop flower buds well before their bloom season. If pruning is needed, prune soon after flowering rather than waiting until fall.

• Indian Hawthorn – These shrubs typically put on their main flower display in spring, so significant pruning is generally best done after flowering rather than in fall.

 
 

But Don’t Ignore Dead or Damaged Branches

 

Avoiding fall pruning doesn’t mean you have to leave a broken or hazardous branch in place. Dead, damaged, or diseased growth can generally be removed when necessary. The concern is unnecessary shaping or heavy pruning that removes healthy flower-producing wood.

 
 

When in Doubt, Ask!

 

Different plants bloom on different types of growth, so there isn’t one pruning schedule that works for everything. Knowing what you’re growing is the key to knowing when to prune it.

Contact us if you’re unsure when to prune a specific plant—we’re happy to help!