Native Shrubs To Prune In Winter

Pruning is a gardening practice involving the selective removal of certain parts of a woody plant. With our native shrubs, it can be helpful to know their growth habits and bloom times to determine if and when they may benefit from pruning.

This table lists common native shrubs that are said to bloom on “new wood,” which means that they will bloom on this season’s new growth. They should be pruned in the late winter to early spring before they develop their flower buds.

 The chart also indicates which shrub species may spread to form colonies or thickets by suckering, sending up new shoots around the perimeter of their original base.

The scientific name for each plant is linked to the relevant fact sheet when one is available.

Shrub	Notes
American Beauty-berry Callicarpa americana Blooms June-July	Prune low; remove old canes periodically for rejuvenation Clemson Cooperative Extension
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Blooms June-August	Differing advice: Needs iittle pruning OR Prune for shaping on an annual basis Prune in late winter to early spring Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Clemson Cooperative Extension
Carolina Rose Rosa carolina Blooms June-July	Prune late winter to early spring Good air circulation helps support disease resistance NC State Extension
Fragrant Sumac Rhus aromatica Blooms May-June	Prune in winter to early spring Stems root easily when they touch soil Also applies to other native sumacs, such as Staghorn Sumac
Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Blooms April-June	Special care through 3rd year Occasional pruning in winter, thereafter NC State Extension
Inkberry Ilex glabra Blooms May-June	Generally require minimal pruning Spreads from root suckers NC State Extension
New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus Blooms May-June	Tolerates hard pruning in early spring Can even cut to just above ground level to rejuvenate
Northern Bush Honeysuckle Diervilla lonicera Blooms June-July	As needed in early spring; responds well to thinning of older stems Spreads by stoloniferous roots
Red Twig Dogwood Cornus sericea Blooms May	Prune up to 1/3 of older (brown) stems in late winter Pruning stimulates new growth to maintain bright color
Shrubby St. John’s-wort Hypericum densiflorum Blooms June	Prune early spring Consider renewal pruning (cut height by half) every 3 to 4 years
Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa Blooms June	Remove faded flower clusters promptly to encourage rebloom Woody stems may die down to ground in winter Can spread by suckers to form colonies NC State Extension
Strawberry-bush Euonymus americanus Blooms May	Needs little pruning, may prune branch tips to increase density Spreads by rhizomes Stems will root at nodes where they touch the ground
Swamp Rose Rosa palustris Blooms June-July	Prune as needed in late winter Spreads slowly by suckers NC State Extension
Sweet Pepperbush Clethra alnifolia Blooms June-August	Requires only occasional pruning in late winter Suckers slowly to form thickets Piedmont Master Gardeners
Wild Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens Blooms May-June	Prune canes near to ground to promote strong growth Can put on 3 to 5 feet of new growth in growing season Can sucker Chicago Botanic Garden
Winterberry Ilex verticillata Blooms May-June	Prune in early spring before new growth appears Renewal pruning every 3-4 years to maintain abundant fruiting
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana Blooms October-December	Pruning not usually necessary except to maintain shape Prune early spring after flowering