When it comes to caring for the small trees and shrubs in your landscape, pruning is crucial! In addition to shaping the plant and removing dead or damaged branches, pruning can be used to control the size of the plant, promote flowering, and allow more light and air to circulate within the plant, improving its overall health. Timing is the key factor in pruning plants, as the act of pruning can be stressful on the plant. Pruning at an improper time can cause damage and prevent the plant from thriving or flowering in the next season.
Azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, and oleanders are just a few common North Carolina plants which must be pruned at specific times in order to thrive. The proper time to prune these shrubs depends on when they bloom, how new buds are formed, and the desired outcome from the prune.
Withstanding native azaleas, Asian azaleas, which go by many names including Coral Bells, Hino Crimsons, Formosas, and George Tabers do well in this area. These bloom in a variety of colors including bright red, pink, purple, and white. The proper time to prune these vibrant plants is within three weeks of their major bloom, which occurs in the spring. The absolute latest time to prune is the end of June. If you wait to prune until the fall, you risk removing flower buds, as azaleas form buds on old wood rather than new plant growth. If you wish to reduce the size of the bush after June, it is recommended that you only remove the tallest branches, as any other removal will result in fewer blooms next season. In addition to traditional Asian and native Azaleas, Encore™ azaleas provide multiple blooming events throughout the year, as opposed to just once in the spring. Prune these for shape and or health immediately after a flowering event in spring and summer.
Camellias, an absolute jewel of the southern landscape, provide a kaleidoscope of colors from fall to springtime. The best time to prune Camellias is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. With that said, Camellias require very little pruning unless a specific shape or size is desired. When pruning, make sure to cut just above a healthy looking node. Cutting the branches here will force three or four new buds to form, resulting in a fuller plant next season. It is important to thin out dead or diseased branches to maintain plant health.
Hydrangeas should also be pruned following their major bloom, but when this occurs (between spring or the end of summer) depends on the the species of hydrangea. For the most part, hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, such as mop heads, lace caps, and oak leafs, should not be pruned after July because you run the risk of removing next year’s blooms. If you wish to drastically reduce the size of your hydrangeas, they are able to withstand – and sometimes require – severe prunings every few years, as they grow larger and larger each year. For species that bud on new wood, such as limelight hydrangeas, pruning is best done in very early spring, once the threat of frost is gone.
Of the plants named in this post, oleanders require the least pruning maintenance. Generally, oleanders do not need regular pruning unless you wish to shape the plant or reduce its size. If this is the case, pruning should be done immediately after flowering, or at least by the end of August or early September. This is necessary to give any new growth sufficient time to harden before the first frost of the winter. Spring pruning may also be required to remove any dead/diseased plant material. With that said, beware that all parts of the oleander plant are poisonous – keep the trimmings away from pets or small children who may decide to have a taste.
Wrightsville Beach Landscaping offers year-round maintenance or seasonal contracts for your outdoor needs in every season. For questions or more information about our services, contact us at (910) 256-6345.
