Published Oct 25, 2021
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As your garden is beginning to go to sleep for the season, you may be ready to do some autumn cleanup. And while it’s fine to rake up leaves (and compost them!), pull faded annuals or plant spring-flowering bulbs, there are many shrubs you shouldn’t prune in the fall—and some you should never prune! If you’ve ever wondered why a shrub isn’t flowering, it may be that you pruned it at the wrong time last year. In fact, many flowering shrubs bear flower buds on last year’s wood, known as “old wood,” so if you cut them back now, you’re cutting off next year’s flowers. And if you prune any shrub too late in the season, you’ll stimulate new growth, which will not have time to harden off (or toughen up) before a freeze. This can damage and weaken the plant, so leave pruning until next year.
So, save yourself some work now and frustration later, and put down those pruners! Here are the most common shrubs and perennials you shouldn’t prune in the fall:
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1. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea, which has leaves that somewhat resemble an oak tree, is a gorgeous shrub with lovely papery blooms from summer to fall. It also boasts bright autumn color, and some flowers remain intact all year to provide winter interest. But don’t cut oakleaf hydrangeas back like you do other types of hydrangeas, such as panicle hydrangeas, which bloom on new wood. Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood and never need trimmed except to cut off dead branches that don’t leaf out next spring.
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2. Forsythia
Just when you need color the most after a long winter, this shrub bursts into bloom in early spring. Many types of forsythia can get large and unmanageable, so you may be tempted to hack them back in the fall. However, you’ll remove the buds that form next year’s bright yellow blooms. If your shrub has gotten too big, trim it next spring immediately after it finishes blooming. And next time, plant a new dwarf variety that will stay nice and compact.
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3. Lilac
Lilac is a gorgeous, old-fashioned shrub with spikes of fragrant purple, pink or white fragrant flowers in late spring. But if you prune in fall, you’ll chop off the blooms for next year. It should rarely be trimmed except to cut off dead branches. Also, look for new dwarf and reblooming varieties if you want to plant a new lilac.
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4. Ninebark
This native shrub has a lovely arching shape with green, chartreuse or dark burgundy leaves and tiny pink or white flowers in the spring. It’s actually a shrub you should never prune, except to trim back any dead branches when you see them. Otherwise, leave it be so you don’t destroy its shapely form.
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5. Rhododendron
Rhododendrons have glossy evergreen leaves and gorgeous clusters of flowers in pinks, purples and white in the spring. But if you prune now, you’ll cut off next year’s flowers. If your shrub needs neatened up, trim immediately after the flowers fade in the spring.
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6. Azalea
Azaleas also bloom on old wood, with next year’s flowers forming months after the current year’s flowers have died back. Prune only immediately after flowering if you need to shape it.
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7. Weigela
This stunning shrub has gorgeous tube-shaped flowers that pollinators love, and you’ll totally miss out on them next year if you trim them in the fall. You’ve been warned.
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8. Loropetalum
The beautiful, fringe-y flowers of this plant appear in mid-spring. If you do need to shape it, trim it immediately after it finishes flowering.
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9. Mountain Hydrangea
Like oakleaf hydrangeas, this type of hydrangea doesn’t need (or like) being pruned. While it’s fine to remove dead wood, don’t do it until late spring when the plant has leafed out so you can see what you’re doing.
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10. Deutzia
This charming, pollinator-friendly shrub has a delicate arching form and tons of delicate pink flowers in late spring. Keep your pruners away from this shrub unless you need to remove a dead branch.
Freelance Gardening Editor
Arricca Elin SanSone is a gardener with more than 15 years of experience. In addition to PureWow, she writes for Prevention, Country Living, Veranda, The Spruce and many other...
I am a seasoned gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of horticulture and plant care. Over the years, I have cultivated an extensive knowledge base through hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for all things related to gardening.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
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Pruning Timing and Its Impact on Flowering: The article emphasizes the importance of timing when it comes to pruning shrubs. Specifically, it warns against pruning certain shrubs in the fall. The reason behind this caution lies in the flowering behavior of many shrubs, which produce buds on the previous year's growth, known as "old wood." Pruning these shrubs in the fall may remove the buds for the next year's flowers.
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Shrubs that Shouldn't Be Pruned in the Fall: The article lists several shrubs that should not be pruned in the fall, and it provides insights into their specific growth patterns:
- Oakleaf Hydrangea: Blooms on old wood; pruning unnecessary except for removing dead branches.
- Forsythia: Pruning in the fall removes buds for the next year's blooms; recommended to trim in spring after flowering.
- Lilac: Flowering occurs in late spring, and pruning in the fall would remove the blooms for the following year.
- Ninebark: Advises against pruning, except for removing dead branches, to maintain its natural form.
- Rhododendron and Azalea: Both bloom on old wood; pruning should be done immediately after flowering.
- Weigela: Pruning in the fall results in missing out on the next year's tube-shaped flowers.
- Loropetalum: Flowering occurs in mid-spring, and pruning should be done after it finishes flowering.
- Mountain Hydrangea: Similar to oakleaf hydrangea, it doesn't need pruning, except for dead wood, and should be done in late spring.
- Deutzia: Pruning should be minimal, limited to the removal of dead branches.
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Consequences of Late Season Pruning: The article highlights the potential negative consequences of pruning too late in the season. Late pruning can stimulate new growth that may not have enough time to harden before a freeze, leading to damage and weakening of the plant.
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Guidelines for Pruning Shrubs: The article provides guidelines on when to prune specific shrubs, emphasizing the importance of timing immediately after flowering or in late spring for certain varieties.
In summary, the article serves as a valuable guide for gardeners, cautioning against fall pruning for specific shrubs and shedding light on the intricacies of flowering patterns. It encourages a thoughtful and informed approach to pruning, considering each shrub's unique characteristics to ensure the health and vitality of the garden.
