Pruning Plants in Spring: What to Prune and What to Avoid
Introduction
Spring is a time for renewal and growth in the garden, and pruning is an important task to help your plants thrive. But when it comes to pruning in spring, there are some plants you should avoid cutting back. In this article, we’ll explore which plants you shouldn’t prune in spring, why it’s important to avoid pruning them at this time, and how to care for them properly.
Plants to Prune in Spring
Before we dive into the plants you shouldn’t prune in spring, let’s quickly go over which plants benefit from spring pruning. These include:
- Evergreens
- Roses
- Fruit trees
- Most vines
- Overgrown shrubs
- Summer-flowering deciduous plants
These plants all set flower buds on new wood, meaning the flexible green shoots that appear early in the growing season. Pruning them in spring encourages new wood growth, which leads to more buds and flowers.
Plants to Avoid Pruning in Spring
Now, let’s focus on the plants you shouldn’t prune in spring. These are typically spring flowering shrubs and deciduous trees that are leafing out. Here are four common examples:
1. Azalea
Azaleas are beautiful shrubs that bloom in spring, which means they set their flower buds the previous summer. Pruning them in spring will remove these buds, resulting in fewer blossoms. The best time to prune azaleas is immediately after they have finished flowering.
2. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangeas are known for their large clusters of long-lasting flowers that bloom on old wood. This means that the flower buds were formed on last year’s stems. If you prune oakleaf hydrangeas in spring, you will cut off these buds and reduce the number of flowers. Instead, wait until after the flowers have faded to prune them.
3. Lilac
Lilacs are popular ornamental shrubs with fragrant flower clusters that bloom in late spring. Like azaleas, lilacs set their flower buds the previous summer. Pruning them in spring will remove these buds and decrease flowering. The ideal time to prune lilacs is in early summer, once the flowers have faded.
4. Forsythia
Forsythias are deciduous shrubs with bright yellow flowers that bloom early in spring. These flowers precede the leaves, and pruning them in spring will remove the flower buds before they have a chance to open. Similar to the other plants mentioned, the best time to prune forsythias is in the summer after they have finished flowering.
Why Avoid Pruning These Plants in Spring?
The main reason to avoid pruning spring flowering shrubs and deciduous trees that are leafing out in spring is to preserve their flower buds. Pruning these plants at this time will remove the buds, leading to decreased flowering and potentially damaging the plant’s overall health.
How to Care for Plants You Shouldn’t Prune in Spring
Instead of pruning these plants in spring, focus on providing them with proper care to support their growth and flowering. This includes:
- Watering regularly, especially during dry spells
- Fertilizing according to the plant’s specific needs
- Mulching around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Monitoring for pests and diseases and treating them promptly
Conclusion
Pruning in spring can be beneficial for many plants, but it’s important to avoid pruning those that bloom in spring or are leafing out at this time. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your spring flowering shrubs and deciduous trees thrive and bring beauty to your garden for years to come.
