7 Shrubs You Should Prune in Late Spring for Fuller Growth and Better Blooms

Chinese Fringe Flower

Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum) naturally loses its shape over time, making it look unruly or overgrown. "Pruning helps control size, remove damaged growth, and maintain the plant’s graceful, flowing habit," says Jim Putnam, plant expert for the Southern Living Plant Collection.

He recommends pruning in spring right after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds. "Use hand pruners or loppers to selectively remove branches, cutting them back to a side branch or main stem," he says. "This keeps the plant looking natural and open, and helps prevent the dense, boxy look that can result from repeated hedge trimming."

Boxwood

By late spring, boxwoods (Buxus) have typically just completed a strong flush of growth. "At this point, new shoots are still flexible enough to shape, but not so tender that they are easily damaged," says Putnam. "Pruning the fresh flush of spring growth helps maintain a fuller, more refined shape and encourages dense branching throughout the shrub."

When pruning boxwoods, he recommends using hand pruners for a natural look or hedge shears for formal hedges. "The focus should be on light tip pruning, trimming only the soft new growth at the ends of branches rather than cutting into older wood," Putnam explains. "Most boxwoods only need one pruning in late spring, usually in May or early June, with an optional light trim in summer for hedges." Heavy pruning can cause plant stress.

Azalea

Azalea shrubs (Azalea spp.) are one of the most popular spring-flowering plants, providing a pop of color for several weeks throughout the season. "As flowers begin to wind down, pruning to maintain its desired shape and remove fading flowers will spur summer growth (and the formation of next year’s flower buds)," says Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University.

He recommends selective, targeted pruning to remove excess growth instead of heavy pruning, as this helps maintain the natural form of this beautiful flowering shrub.

Gardenia

Gardenias (Gardenia spp.) typically need very little pruning, but light shaping helps this flowering shrub maintain its compact size and encourages cleaner growth. "Removing stray branches can also improve airflow and overall appearance," says Putnam.

Prune gardenias right after flowering finishes, as this plant begins setting buds for the following season quickly, and pruning too late can cut off next season's blooms. "Use clean, sharp hand pruners to remove stray, damaged, or crossing branches, making precise cuts back to a healthy junction," says Putnam.

Liliac

Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are beautiful spring-flowering shrubs that produce charming purple blooms that have an inviting fragrance. To keep this plant abundant, cut it back in spring as the flowers fade. Abdi says this window allows time for growth to support a healthy flush of flowers the following season.

When pruning lilacs, focus on overgrown and diseased branches, cutting their stems back to the base of the plant. "This will help improve airflow and reduce disease risks," he says.

Viburnum

Viburnum (Viburnum spp.) produces white, snowball-shaped blooms that offer spring interest to landscapes. For general maintenance, Abdi says to prune in late spring immediately after the plant flowers. However, if severe pruning is necessary to control plant size, he recommends waiting until the following late winter or early spring to avoid sacrificing future blooms.

Bigleaf and Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are particular about pruning, but some varieties can be cut back in late spring. "For varieties that bloom on old wood, such as bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas, pruning after flowers fade in late spring to early summer is best," says Abdi. Focus on removing spent blooms and any dead or diseased branches. Never cut back more than one-third of the plant at one time.