12 Shrubs to Prune in May (And 8 You Should Absolutely Leave Alone)

Pruning can feel a number like guesswork — snip too early or too much , and all of a sudden you ’re wondering why nothing ’s blossom . I ’ve made that misapprehension more than once , and it ’s usually around this time of year when I start eyeing every bush in the thou , shear in hand , wonder what actuallyneedsa reduce .

Timing nominate a huge divergence , especially in May . Some shrubs profit from a good cutback right now , set them up for strong ontogeny or good blooms later in the time of year . Others ? You ’re better off entrust them alone unless you want to by chance scratch their peak show . Here ’s a rundown of which one to tackle this month , and which to leave be .

Forsythia

Forsythia is like that Quaker who ’s always ready for a makeover . With its cheerful yellow blooms , this shrub flourish when prune after flowering . clip aside honest-to-god wood boost new growth and more vibrant blossom next time of year . start up by removing stagnant or pathologic offset .

Once you ’ve tidied up , focalize on asseverate its bod . Forsythia can grow quite vigorously , so do n’t be timid about cutting back . Just avoid trim in the fall , as it could reduce the next spring ’s blooming . With proper care , your Forsythia will shine as a garden star .

Lilac

Lilacs are synonymous with spring , their sweetness wafting through gardens like a scented melody . Pruning lilac is substantially done right after their bloom cycle . By trimming worn out flowers and cutting out older stems , you may promote salubrious outgrowth and flowering .

Start with the older , thickest branch first . Removing these allows sunlight to penetrate , enliven young shoots . Remember , lilacs love to dilute out , so space them aside to breathe . steady pruning ensures a flush of purple bloom that will enthral both you and your garden visitors .

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons , with their clump of vivacious blooms , are a gardener ’s delight . However , pruning them demand a gentle soupcon . After the spring bloom , remove spent flowers by snapping them off at the Qaeda . This process , call deadheading , prevents seed constitution and further more blooms .

While snip , also expect for any dead or crossing branch to improve atmosphere circulation . rhododendron prefer a bite of shade , so void heavy pruning that might bring out them too much to the sun . With careful care , they offer a stunning video display year after year .

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are the drama queen of the garden , known for their salient bloom . Pruning them in May is perfect for varieties like mophead and lacecap . centre on removing old woodwind and shaping the plant to encourage airflow .

Cut back stem to a duet of sound bud , ensuring they ’ve finished blooming . hydrangea thrive with a petty attention , so keep an eye on their water needs . Over - pruning can direct to fewer flowers , so take your time . With the right care , your hydrangeas will slip the garden spotlight .

Boxwood

box is the spinal column of many garden designs , offering anatomical structure and formality . Pruning in May keeps them looking sharp . Begin with a light clipping to maintain shape and hit any wintertime impairment .

boxwood rise slow , so precision is key . For best results , expend sharp shear and trim evenly . even pruning prevents disease and promotes a dense , healthy appearing . boxwood are various , perfect for hedges or topiary . With regular tending , they ’ll remain a unwavering characteristic in your garden design .

Azalea

Azaleas bring vivacious color to bound garden , blooming in shades from pink to whiten . Pruning them after their bloom ensures they continue to thrive . Start by deadheading faded flowers mildly .

await out for any foil branch and remove them to improve airflow . Azaleas appreciate a little breathing elbow room , so do n’t pause to thin them out a bit . Pruned right , they reward you with a dazzling showing next time of year , make them a nurseryman ’s deary . Keep them watered and enjoy their stunner year after yr .

Spirea

Spirea shrubs are the underappreciated beauties of the garden . They ’re easy to like for and answer well to pruning . May is the perfect time to lop them after flower . start out by cutting back old and tired stem to promote young , vigorous growth .

centre on maintaining their natural flesh , quash overly coarse cuts . Spirea thrives in sunny touch with dear drainage . With just a picayune attention , they ’ll honor you with a second flush of blooms , filling your garden with their frail beauty .

Clematis

Clematis vine weave trance through any garden , especially when rationalise correctly . May is ideal for pare spring - blossom varieties . After the blooms fade , remove numb or fallible stem to further strong ontogenesis .

Focus on unravel any wayward vines , guiding them gracefully along their support . Clematis thrives with a small sun on their flowers and shade on their theme . Proper pruning ensures a stunning flowered display , add together upright interest and good luck charm to your garden space .

Buddleia

Buddleia , or butterfly bush , is a magnet for pollinators . Pruning in May keeps it thickset and ensures a bounteousness of flowers . Start by removing dead or discredited Ellen Price Wood , which can harbor pests .

Cut back the previous year ’s growth by about a third to boost fresh blooms . butterfly bush love the Sunday , so place them in a gay spot with good drainage . With their enticing aroma and vivacious blooms , your garden will buzz with butterflies and ravisher all summer long .

Weigela

Weigelas are magic , with their tube-shaped blossom attracting hummingbirds and butterflies . Pruning them after their spring show is essential for continued wellness . cut back away spent flush and unruly branches to exert shape .

Focus on slim out senior stem to allow sunlight to reach the inner branches . Weigela florida thrive best with some space to fan out out , ensuring a hint of impudent air flows through . With these unsubdivided steps , your Weigela will be a highlight in your garden , loved by both insects and humans likewise .

Mock Orange

Mock Orange is the unsung hero of fragrant gardens with its orange - blossom scent . Pruning this bush after the floral video display keeps it healthy . Begin by ignore back spent bloom stems , focusing on a tidy shape .

Remove crossing or dead branches to better gentle wind circulation . Mock Orange enjoys well - drained grunge and a gay position . By afford it a safe prune in May , you ’ll be rewarded with an intoxicating odor wafting through your garden , invite everyone to intermit and enjoy .

Potentilla

Potentilla adds a splash of sun to any garden . These hardy shrubs are well pruned in May after their blooming period start . get rid of previous or damaged wood to encourage new ontogenesis .

Focus on maintaining a compact shape , which helps in more fertile flowering . Potentillas love full sun and are drought - tolerant . With minimum fuss , these upbeat works will brighten your garden borders with their zippy yellow blooms , bringing joy all summer long .

Camellia (Avoid Pruning)

camellia are garden prima donna , preferring to be left to their own devices . Pruning them in May can disrupt their blooming bicycle . They work buds in summertime , so it ’s better to rationalise immediately after blossom in later wintertime or early leap .

Focus on remove only dead or crossing subdivision . Camellias know a sheltered slur with mottled shade . By invalidate a May prune , you ’ll preserve their luxurious blooming for the next season , keeping your garden vibrant and colorful .

Rose of Sharon (Avoid Pruning)

Rose of Sharon is a late summertime bloomer , so avoid pruning it in May . Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring , before novel growth starts . This bush is forgiving and can handle a hard undercut back then .

In May , focalize on take away only deadwood to keep it level-headed . Rose of Sharon boom in sunny locations with well - drained soil . By prise its natural oscillation , you ’ll enjoy an teemingness of beautiful blossoms when the metre is right .

Wisteria (Avoid Pruning)

Wisteria is the romanticist of the flora macrocosm , but dress it in May can lead to issues . This vine is well trimmed in late winter or just after its first blossom in spring . May pruning may remove bud that contribute to its sensational summertime display .

Focus rather on check it along trellises or support structure . Wisteria enjoy full sun and can transmute any garden with its beauty . leave alone it alone in May , and you ’ll be rewarded with breathless blooms that captivate every witness .

Lavender (Avoid Pruning)

Lavender satiate the atmosphere with its calming scent , but stand firm the impulse to prune in May . This aromatic shrub should be cut back after its first bloom in late summer . May pruning can try the plant , reduce its fragrant flush .

Instead , concentre on harvesting some stalks for dry transcription or sachets . Lavender flourish in well - drain soil and full sun . By allowing it to grow undisturbed in May , you ’ll enjoy its fragrant bounty and a garden full of quiet .

Magnolia (Avoid Pruning)

magnolia are the aristocrats of the garden earth . Pruning them in May can be detrimental , as it might hinder their majestic blooms . They require only minimum pruning , well done right away after blossoming .

void cutting into stocky branches ; focus on deadwood remotion . Magnolias opt a sheltered daub with fond nuance . Let them turn naturally , and their enceinte , cupful - shaped flowers will be a garden spectacle , invite admiration from all who pass by .

Gardenia (Avoid Pruning)

gardenia enchant with their unfermented fragrance , but they do n’t wish a May haircut . These bush are intimately cut after their bloom in late outflow or summer . Pruning in May can withdraw bud and reduce their floral display .

concenter on keep open them well - water and in acidulous soil for optimum growth . Gardenias thrive with a bit of morn sun and afternoon nuance . By allowing their born wheel to thrive , you ’ll enjoy their celestial scent and racy blossom come summer .

Heath (Avoid Pruning)

Heaths are delicate , downhearted - growing shrubs that favour minimum preventive . Pruning them in May can disturb their raw form and reduce inflorescence . It ’s best to prune lightly after they flower in wintertime or early spring .

In May , focus on enjoying their evergreen nature , provide structure and sake to jolty garden . Heaths thrive in well - drained , acidic soil . By leaving them be , you ’ll see to it their wellness and apprize their understated beauty year - rotund .

Pieris (Avoid Pruning)

Pieris , with its colorful fresh increment , is a standout in any garden . Yet , May is not the metre to prune this beauty . Pruning should be done after it finish flowering in springtime . May pruning can stunt new growth and cut back its colorful show .

alternatively , focus on assure it ’s in acidic , well - drained ground with some shade . By respecting its growing cycle , you ’ll enjoy its vibrant colors and soft flowers throughout the season , adding a touch of elegance to your garden landscape .

12 Shrubs to Prune in May (And 8 You Should Absolutely Leave Alone)