Prune UK shrubs according to three timing groups. Group 1 (buddleja, hardy fuchsia, hydrangea paniculata) are pruned hard in late February to March. Group 2 (forsythia, philadelphus, weigela, deutzia) are pruned immediately after flowering. Group 3 (evergreens, slow growers like daphne and witch hazel) need minimal pruning. Use bypass secateurs for stems up to 15mm, loppers up to 35mm, and a pruning saw for anything thicker.
Key takeaways
- Group 1 shrubs (buddleja, hydrangea paniculata) are pruned hard in February-March before new growth
- Group 2 shrubs (forsythia, philadelphus, weigela) are pruned right after flowering finishes
- Group 3 shrubs (evergreens, daphne, witch hazel) need only light tidying and dead removal
- Use sharp bypass secateurs for stems up to 15mm, loppers for 15-35mm, and a pruning saw above 35mm
- Renovation pruning saves overgrown shrubs: cut to 30-60cm above ground in late winter
- Always cut to just above an outward-facing bud at a 45-degree angle sloping away from the bud
- Never prune spring-flowering shrubs in winter or you remove all the flower buds
pruning shrubs garden maintenance secateurs pruning groups renovation pruning spring pruning summer pruning
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
