Pruning Shrubs
Where to begin?

The basics of pruning shrubs -  Pruning shrubs can sometimes be tricky. There’s a huge range of different groups; flowering, deciduous, evergreens, climbers, spreading, crawling, thistles, you name it... covering all of them would be quite a challenge. So, I will cover the most common shrubs. The ones we are all familiar with as well as those that are easy to maintain. And I promise to slowly add more. But, in the meantime, if you need help or information about a specific shrub – call out and ask (at the bottom of the page.. and I promise to get back to you soon.

Important - The following basic rules will apply to most shrubs, so whatever shrub you’re pruning, always come back to this page - it will remind you of basic rules and guide lines for pruning in general and specifically for shrubs.

Pruning Shrubs

The artistic part 

If your garden was a wall painting and trees were the portraits, then shrubs would definitely be the backdrop. With their multiple colors and shapes, shrubs tie the garden together.

Although this site is about pruning, I barely touch the shrubs in my garden, beside cutting off the small dead branches, but I do touch them… a little, every once in a while. Every plant needs to be taken care of. Although our natural tendency is to leave shrubs alone and to their own devices until they are old or need a renewal prune, the truth is quite different. All shrubs need a light touch every once in a while and that little bit of attention will go a long way - you have no idea!

As you get to know your plants, you’ll see how the whole experience gets better and better. You’ll find that you barely touched it and suddenly you look up at your artwork and – WOW!!!

When? Most shrubs will be more than happy to be pruned when its warm, at the beginning of spring when temperatures rise. That's true by-the-way for many plants around the world. Of course, it all depend on what you would like to achieve when you pick up your pruners to cut…?

Deciduous shrubs however will be happy to be pruned in late winter, just before spring and as soon as new buds start to appear. I’ll give you more specific instructions with every shrub type.

How? I’ll show you in a moment - just select your shrub from the navigation bar at the top of the page and start pruning!

Finally – On the one hand, pruning shrubs is an art form, on the other hand, its simple and easy to learn. And I believe that it’s a must-have skill. So, take your pruners and your good mood and lets play with natures best colors.

Providing general guidelines on 'how to prune' any kind of plant is important, but there are plants, and there is YOUR plant. So despite there being loads of information on this site, I also provide specific and personalized support. If something wasn't clear, or you're not sure of your plant's name, simply send me a picture with your question. Use the form below and I'll get back to you. In the mean time, see what others are asking. 

Gardening gift ideas
to use indoors or out