
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-berryCallicarpa americana | Prune low; remove old canes periodically for rejuvenation Clemson Cooperative Extension |
ButtonbushCephalanthus occidentalis | 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 RoseRosa carolina | Prune late winter to early spring Good air circulation helps support disease resistance NC State Extension |
Fragrant SumacRhus aromatica | Prune in winter to early spring Stems root easily when they touch soil Also applies to other native sumacs, such as Staghorn Sumac |
Highbush BlueberryVaccinium corymbosum | Special care through 3rd year Occasional pruning in winter, thereafter NC State Extension |
InkberryIlex glabra | Generally require minimal pruning Spreads from root suckers NC State Extension |
New Jersey TeaCeanothus americanus | Tolerates hard pruning in early spring Can even cut to just above ground level to rejuvenate |
Northern Bush HoneysuckleDiervilla lonicera | As needed in early spring; responds well to thinning of older stems Spreads by stoloniferous roots |
Red Twig DogwoodCornus sericea | Prune up to 1/3 of older (brown) stems in late winter Pruning stimulates new growth to maintain bright color |
Shrubby St. John’s-wortHypericum densiflorum | Prune early spring Consider renewal pruning (cut height by half) every 3 to 4 years |
SteeplebushSpiraea tomentosa | 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-bushEuonymus americanus | Needs little pruning, may prune branch tips to increase density Spreads by rhizomes Stems will root at nodes where they touch the ground |
Swamp RoseRosa palustris | Prune as needed in late winter Spreads slowly by suckers NC State Extension |
Sweet PepperbushClethra alnifolia | Requires only occasional pruning in late winter Suckers slowly to form thickets Piedmont Master Gardeners |
Wild HydrangeaHydrangea arborescens | 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 |
WinterberryIlex verticillata | Prune in early spring before new growth appears Renewal pruning every 3-4 years to maintain abundant fruiting |
Witch HazelHamamelis virginiana | Pruning not usually necessary except to maintain shape Prune early spring after flowering |