Plants that bloom on old wood (last year’s growth) are pruned after flowering so as not to remove flower buds with a winter pruning. Hedges also require additional shaping in early summer, and fruits need a little training.
Deciduous Shrubs
- Bigleaf (macrophylla) and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood. Prune after plants finish blooming. Oakleaf hydrangeas seldom require pruning.
- Wisteria: cut back long shoots after flowers fade.
Hedges
- Formal hedges may need shaping after the spring flush of growth. Clip abelia, arborvitae, boxwood, euonymus, holly, juniper, and privet as needed.
Fruits
- Blueberry: Prune for size as needed after harvest.
- Blackberry: Trim first-year shoots to chest height mid-summer to encourage branching.
- Grape: Remove flowers first two seasons as vines establish. Continue to train vine to trellis or arbor.
More Pruning Articles by Season
