Avoid Pruning These Plants Before Autumn: 7 Plants You Should Not Cut Back During Summer
Summer is in full bloom, and with it comes the question of when to prune our beloved garden plants. But did you know that the timing of pruning can significantly impact next year's blooms? Here's a breakdown of when to prune and when to leave well alone.
Firstly, let's discuss plants that bloom on old wood. These include lilacs, azaleas, philadelphus (mock oranges), snowball bushes (viburnums), and many spring-flowering shrubs. It's essential not to prune these plants in late summer, as they set their flower buds on the previous year's growth. Pruning too late can remove these buds and reduce flower production the following year. Instead, prune these plants soon after their flowers fade (late spring to early summer).
Lilacs, for instance, should be pruned immediately after flowering. Azaleas benefit from pruning shortly after finishing blooming in spring or early summer. Philadelphus (mock orange) is best pruned immediately after flowering, while snowball bush (Viburnum) should be pruned right after flowering by late June or early July.
In contrast, plants that bloom on new wood or that rebloom, like rambling roses and some perennials (e.g., catmint, lady's mantle), can be pruned in summer without reducing next year’s blooms and may even benefit from it.
To help you keep track, here's a summary table:
| Plant | Bloom Wood Type | Best Pruning Time | Summer Pruning Effect on Next Year Blooms | |------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Lilac | Old wood | Immediately after flowering | Late pruning reduces next year’s blooms | | Azalea | Old wood | Shortly after blooming | Late pruning reduces next year’s blooms | | Philadelphus (Mock orange) | Old wood | Immediately after flowering | Late/hard pruning reduces blooms | | Snowball bush (Viburnum)| Old wood | Right after flowering (June/July) | Late heavy pruning reduces blooms | | Rambling roses | Bloom once in early summer | Summer pruning (July) | Summer pruning beneficial | | Catmint | New wood/Repeated bloom | Summer pruning after first bloom | Encourages second bloom | | Lady's mantle | New wood/Repeated bloom | Deadhead after first bloom | Encourages second bloom |
Remember, to avoid reducing next year’s blooms, do not prune late in summer plants like lilacs, azaleas, philadelphus, snowball bushes, and other spring-blooming shrubs that flower on old wood.
In addition to these tips, it's best not to prune oleander during summer. Flowers grow on new growth for oleander, so pruning should be done in late winter before new growth appears. Similarly, it's best not to prune crepe myrtle during summer. The flowers appear on new spring growth for crepe myrtle, so trim it back in late winter or early spring.
As for plants like smoke bush, smoketrees, and potentilla, they should be pruned in late winter or early spring to ensure plenty of flowers.
Lastly, fall is the perfect time to plant perennials, and if you're looking to sow seeds this summer, there are still 8 flowers that can still be planted in August. Happy gardening!
Maintaining a home-and-garden lifestyle involves understanding the appropriate pruning times for different plants to ensure optimal blooms. For instance, lilacs, azaleas, philadelphus (mock oranges), snowball bushes (viburnums), and many spring-flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood should not be pruned in late summer, as doing so can reduce flower production the following year. Instead, they should be pruned immediately after their flowers fade, such as in late spring or early summer.
Remember, when it comes to rambling roses and some perennials like catmint and lady's mantle that bloom on new wood or repeatedly, summer pruning won't reduce next year's blooms and may even benefit the plants.
