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

Pruning can experience a bit like guesswork — snip too former or too much , and suddenly you ’re wondering why nothing ’s blooming . I ’ve made that mistake more than once , and it ’s normally around this time of class when I start eye every shrub in the cubic yard , shear in hand , wondering what actuallyneedsa clip .

Timing make a Brobdingnagian departure , specially in May . Some shrubs benefit from a full cutback properly now , setting them up for solid growth or skillful bloom later in the season . Others ? You ’re good off leave them alone unless you want to accidentally cancel their flush show . Here ’s a rundown of which ones to harness this calendar month , and which to leave be .

Forsythia

Forsythia is like that champion who ’s always ready for a makeover . With its cheerful yellow heyday , this shrub brandish when pruned after florescence . Snipping away old wood encourages unexampled growth and more vibrant blossoms next season . Start by removing dead or morbid branches .

Once you ’ve tidied up , focus on maintain its shape . Forsythia can grow quite smartly , so do n’t be shy about cut back . Just avoid trimming in the surrender , as it could reduce the next spring ’s flower . With right care , your Forsythia will glow as a garden star .

Lilac

Lilacs are synonymous with bounce , their fragrance wafting through gardens like a sweet strain . Pruning lilacs is well done right after their blooming bicycle . By trimming spent flowers and cutting out Old stems , you could push healthy growth and flowering .

begin with the oldest , thickest branches first . withdraw these allows sun to penetrate , invigorate younger shoot . Remember , lilacs lie with to stretch out , so space them apart to breathe . even pruning ensure a hot flash of purple blooms that will delight both you and your garden visitant .

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons , with their bunch of vibrant blooms , are a gardener ’s pleasure . However , pruning them need a gentle touch . After the spring bloom , remove spent flowers by snapping them off at the theme . This process , shout out deadheading , foreclose seed organisation and encourage more blooms .

While pruning , also see for any dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation . Rhododendrons prefer a bit of shade , so avoid grievous pruning that might expose them too much to the sun . With careful tending , they offer a arresting display year after yr .

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are the drama queen regnant of the garden , known for their prominent heyday . Pruning them in May is consummate for varieties like mophead and lacecap . concentre on get rid of old wood and shaping the plant to promote airflow .

skip back stem to a dyad of healthy bud , assure they ’ve finished blooming . hydrangea thrive with a little attention , so keep an optic on their water supply want . Over - pruning can lead to few flowers , so take your time . With the right precaution , your hydrangea will steal the garden spot .

Boxwood

box is the spine of many garden designs , declare oneself social organization and formalness . Pruning in May keep them reckon sharp . Begin with a light trimness to preserve shape and take away any wintertime damage .

Boxwoods acquire slowly , so preciseness is fundamental . For best results , employ sharp shears and crop evenly . even pruning prevents disease and elevate a slow , sizeable appearing . Boxwoods are versatile , perfect for hedging or topiary . With regular care , they ’ll persist a steadfast feature in your garden design .

Azalea

Azaleas bring vibrant color to saltation gardens , blooming in dark glasses from pink to white . Pruning them after their blooming ensures they stay on to flourish . embark on by deadheading faded flush gently .

Look out for any crossing branch and take them to improve airflow . azalea appreciate a slight breathing room , so do n’t hesitate to thin them out a fleck . clip aright , they reward you with a dazzling display next season , making them a nurseryman ’s favorite . Keep them watered and enjoy their beauty twelvemonth after class .

Spirea

Spirea shrub are the underappreciated knockout of the garden . They ’re promiscuous to deal for and respond well to pruning . May is the perfect metre to reduce them after flowering . set off by thin out back honest-to-god and tired stems to further newfangled , vigorous increase .

Focus on keep their born figure , ward off to a fault harsh slash . Spirea thrives in gay spot with adept drainage . With just a little attention , they ’ll reinforce you with a second flush of blooms , fill your garden with their delicate lulu .

Clematis

Clematis vines weave enchantment through any garden , especially when lop correctly . May is ideal for trimming leap - blooming varieties . After the blossom fade , remove dead or weak stems to foster stronger growth .

focalise on untangling any wayward vine , guiding them gracefully along their documentation . Clematis thrives with a small sun on their efflorescence and shade on their radical . Proper pruning insure a stunning flowered display , adding vertical interest and spell to your garden blank .

Buddleia

Buddleia , or butterfly bush , is a magnet for pollinator . Pruning in May hold open it compact and ensures a bountifulness of flowers . set about by remove beat or damaged wood , which can entertain gadfly .

reduce back the previous twelvemonth ’s growth by about a third to encourage overbold blooms . butterfly bush love the Dominicus , so come in them in a sunny touch with good drainage . With their enticing scent and vivacious blooms , your garden will buzz with butterflies and sweetheart all summer long .

Weigela

Weigelas are magical , with their tubular blooms draw in hummingbirds and butterfly . prune them after their spring show is essential for continued health . Trim away spent flower and unruly branches to preserve shape .

rivet on thinning out older stem to leave sunshine to gain the intimate limb . weigela thrive best with some outer space to spread out , ensuring a breather of fresh air flows through . With these simple step , your Weigela will be a highlighting in your garden , loved by both insect and human beings likewise .

Mock Orange

Mock Orange is the unsung hero of fragrant gardens with its orange - blossom scent . Pruning this shrub after the flowered display keeps it healthy . Begin by cutting back pass peak stems , focusing on a kempt configuration .

Remove hybridizing or dead leg to improve atmosphere circulation . Mock Orange enjoy well - drain soil and a sunny position . By giving it a good prune in May , you ’ll be rewarded with an intoxicating scent waft through your garden , inviting everyone to pause and relish .

Potentilla

Potentilla adds a splash of sunlight to any garden . These stout shrub are well prune in May after their flower full stop begins . Remove onetime or damaged Natalie Wood to further novel growth .

Focus on maintaining a compact shape , which avail in more prolific flowering . Potentillas fuck full sun and are drought - tolerant . With minimum fuss , these cheerful plants will brighten your garden borders with their lively yellow-bellied blooms , bring joyousness all summertime long .

Camellia (Avoid Pruning)

Camellias are garden divas , choose to be lead to their own devices . Pruning them in May can disrupt their flower cycle . They spring bud in summertime , so it ’s better to prune immediately after flowering in tardy winter or other spring .

Focus on removing only dead or crossing branches . camellia have it away a sheltered spot with dappled shade . By avoiding a May prune , you ’ll bear on their luxurious blooms for the next season , keeping your garden vibrant and colorful .

Rose of Sharon (Avoid Pruning)

Rose of Sharon is a late summer boo-boo , so avoid trim it in May . Pruning should be done in tardy wintertime or former saltation , before new growth go . This shrub is forgiving and can treat a hard snub back then .

In May , concenter on removing only fifth wheel to keep it sizeable . Rose of Sharon thrives in sunny locations with well - drained soil . By respecting its innate cycle , you ’ll enjoy an copiousness of beautiful blossoms when the clock time is correct .

Wisteria (Avoid Pruning)

Wisteria is the romantic of the plant existence , but pruning it in May can lead to outlet . This vine is comfortably lop in previous winter or just after its first flush in spring . May pruning may remove bud that add to its sensational summertime display .

focal point or else on training it along trellises or confirm complex body part . Wisteria enjoy full sunshine and can transform any garden with its peach . Leave it alone in May , and you ’ll be reward with breathless blooms that captivate every viewer .

Lavender (Avoid Pruning)

Lavender sate the air with its calming odor , but withstand the itch to dress in May . This redolent bush should be pruned after its first bloom in tardy summer . May pruning can accentuate the plant , reducing its fragrant flowers .

Instead , focus on harvesting some stalks for dried transcription or sachet . Lavender thrives in well - debilitate soil and full sun . By allow it to grow undisturbed in May , you ’ll enjoy its fragrant bounty and a garden full of placidity .

Magnolia (Avoid Pruning)

Magnolias are the aristocrats of the garden humankind . prune them in May can be detrimental , as it might handicap their majestic blooms . They require only minimal pruning , well done immediately after anthesis .

Avoid cut into thick branches ; focus on fifth wheel removal . Magnolias prefer a sheltered stain with partial shade . allow them grow naturally , and their prominent , cupful - shaped flowers will be a garden spectacle , inviting admiration from all who pass by .

Gardenia (Avoid Pruning)

Gardenias enchant with their angelic perfume , but they do n’t like a May haircut . These shrub are well pruned after their bloom in late spring or summer . Pruning in May can remove buds and reduce their floral display .

Focus on keeping them well - watered and in acidic grease for optimum growth . Gardenias thrive with a bit of morning Dominicus and good afternoon shade . By allow their rude cycle to flourish , you ’ll enjoy their heavenly fragrance and robust efflorescence arrive summertime .

Heath (Avoid Pruning)

heath are delicate , low - originate bush that opt minimal interference . rationalize them in May can disturb their natural form and subjugate flowering . It ’s best to prune softly after they blossom in wintertime or early springiness .

In May , focus on enjoying their evergreen nature , provide structure and interest group to rocky gardens . heath flourish in well - debilitate , acidic dirt . By leave them be , you ’ll ensure their wellness and appreciate their downplay beauty year - circular .

Pieris (Avoid Pruning)

Pieris , with its colourful new ontogeny , is a standout in any garden . Yet , May is not the time to prune this stunner . Pruning should be done after it finishes unfolding in springtime . May pruning can stunt new growth and trim its colorful display .

rather , focus on ensuring it ’s in acidulous , well - run out grunge with some shade . By respecting its development oscillation , you ’ll bask its vibrant color and delicate heyday throughout the season , total a contact of elegance to your garden landscape .

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