Caring for Spring Blooming Flowers and Shrubs

The most common reason a healthy, well-established flowering shrub fails to bloom is pruning at the wrong time of year. In many cases, flower buds are removed before they have a chance to open. Knowing when and how to prune helps protect next season’s blooms.

Lilac pruning (timing and how)

When to prune: Prune lilacs right after they finish blooming, often in early June. Do not wait too long, because lilacs begin setting next year’s flower buds soon after flowering. Late-summer or fall pruning can greatly reduce next season’s blooms.

How to prune:

·       Remove dead or diseased stems.

·       Cut out any stems larger than 2 inches in diameter.

·       Shorten younger stems to an outward-facing bud to encourage a fuller, well-shaped shrub.

Forsythia pruning (timing and how)

When to prune: Prune forsythia right after it finishes blooming, usually in late spring. Waiting too long can remove next year’s flower buds, which begin forming soon after flowering.

How to prune:

·       Remove about one-quarter of the oldest stems to encourage fresh growth.

·       Thin and shape as needed to open the center for better air flow and quicker leaf drying, which helps reduce fungal disease.

Azalea pruning (timing and how)

As azaleas finish blooming in spring, remove spent flower clusters by gently pinching or snipping them off. This helps the plant direct energy into healthy growth and flower bud development for next year.

When to prune: Azaleas set flower buds for the following year during summer, so timing is important. Prune immediately after the spring bloom period ends. Avoid late-summer or fall pruning, which can remove next year’s buds.

How to prune: Lightly shape the shrub by cutting back individual stems with hand pruners. Avoid hedge clippers, and remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.

The "1/3 rule" for pruning shrubs suggests that no more than one-third of the plant's overall growth should be removed during a single pruning session. This practice helps the shrub to recover and retain its health. Excessive removal of growth all at the same time may stress or harm the shrub, potentially resulting in reduced vitality or death.