When should I prune my ornamentals?

In general, routine maintenance can be performed anytime during the year. If the goal is to maximize flowers and fruit, time the pruning for when it least interferes with this process.

Early spring flowers on ornamentals are produced from the previous years’ growth (example: forsythia and azaleas). Prune these ornamentals immediately after flowering.

If pruning is performed in the winter, some of the buds for future flowering may be removed.

Late spring or summer flowers on ornamentals are produced from the current year’s growth (roses, lilac, and crape myrtle). Prune these ornamentals during the winter or early spring to maximize flowering.