Spring Pruning Guide: What to Cut Back Now for Healthier Growth

Spring is finally here, and as your garden begins to wake up, now is the perfect time to start pruning. Correctly trimming plants in early spring encourages stronger growth, better flowering, and improved shape, helping your garden thrive throughout the season. Here’s our guide to what to prune now and how to do it properly.

Why Prune in Spring?

Pruning in early spring helps:

✅ Remove dead or damaged growth from winter
✅ Improve airflow and prevent disease
✅ Encourage new shoots and flowers
✅ Maintain the shape and size of plants

Timing is key! Some plants benefit from an early spring trim, while others should be left until later in the season.

Plants to Prune Now

1. Shrubs That Flower in Late Summer

• Shrubs that bloom on new wood (this year’s growth) benefit from an early spring prune. These include:
• Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) – Cut back hard to about 30cm to promote fresh, vigorous growth.
• Fuchsia (Hardy Varieties) – Trim back old stems to just above new emerging shoots.
• Hydrangea paniculata & Hydrangea arborescens – Remove old flower heads and cut stems back to strong buds.

2. Roses

Most roses benefit from a spring prune to encourage strong, healthy blooms. Use sharp secateurs to:

• Remove dead or weak stems
• Cut above outward-facing buds to shape the plant
• Reduce hybrid teas and floribundas by one-third

3. Perennials and Grasses

• Ornamental grasses – Trim back dead foliage to allow new green shoots to emerge.
• Lavender – Lightly prune, avoiding cutting into old wood.
• Penstemons – Remove dead growth and trim to just above new shoots.

4. Winter-Flowering Shrubs

Shrubs that flowered in winter should be pruned after blooming to tidy them up and encourage strong growth for next season.

• Mahonia – Cut back spent flowers and shape the plant.
• Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) – Trim old stems to encourage fresh growth.

Pruning Tips for Success

✅ Always use sharp, clean secateurs to avoid damaging plants.
✅ Make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a bud.
✅ Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first.
✅ Step back and assess your plant as you prune to maintain a natural shape.

What NOT to Prune in Spring

❌ Spring-flowering shrubs like Forsythia, Camellia, and Rhododendrons – Wait until after flowering.
❌ Trees prone to ‘bleeding’ sap, such as Maple and Birch – Best pruned in late summer or autumn.

Final Thoughts

Spring pruning is an essential step in getting your garden ready for the season ahead. With the right approach, you’ll encourage healthier, more productive plants that will reward you with stunning blooms and lush foliage throughout the year. Grab your secateurs, head outside, and give your garden the fresh start it deserves!

Happy gardening! 🌿✂️