Pruning shrubs in winter is essential for healthy growth and abundant flowers. While most shrubs are best pruned in late winter or early spring, some benefit from a January trim. Here’s a guide to which shrubs you should prune now, and which you should leave alone until later in the season.
Why Prune in January?
Pruning during dormancy allows for clearer visibility of the shrub’s structure, making it easier to remove unwanted branches and shape the plant. This early pruning encourages vigorous growth when spring arrives.
Shrubs to Prune Now
These shrubs thrive with a January pruning:
- Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens): These bloom on new wood, making January a perfect time for a hard cutback. This promotes fresh growth and helps control root suckers.
- Bluebeard (Caryopteris): A light pruning now stimulates new buds for late-summer blooms that attract pollinators. Remove any broken or damaged branches.
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): Prune back hard in January or February, especially in colder climates, to generate new branches and control size. These shrubs can grow quite large if left unchecked.
- Spiraea: These benefit from regular pruning. Trim extraneous branches before spring buds form to maintain a neat appearance.
- Beautyberry (Callicarpa): Prune lightly in fall for shaping, but heavier pruning is best done in January before new buds emerge.
- Climbing and Shrub Roses: Prune damaged or overgrown canes in January to give them a good shape for the growing season and encourage new buds.
- Panicle Hydrangea: Trimming faded flower clusters in January prepares these shrubs for new spring growth.
How to Prune in January
Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. A light shaping trim is also beneficial, as the lack of foliage makes the branching structure more visible.
Shrubs to Avoid Pruning in January
Certain shrubs bloom on old wood and should not be pruned now:
- Forsythia
- Lilac
- Azalea
- Macrophylla and Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Pruning these in January will remove flower buds and reduce blooms. If unsure, wait until after the coldest weeks of winter have passed, or simply prune only broken or damaged branches.
By pruning strategically, you can ensure your shrubs flourish with vibrant growth and stunning blooms come spring.
