Pruning is an essential part of growing shrubs and knowing when to prune is an important aspect of ensuring that all shrubs are healthy and looking their best year after year. Pruning at the wrong time not only risks losing flowers, but you can also leave the shrub vulnerable to damage from weather, pests and disease.

Shrub pruning was an integral part of the annual task during my years working as a professional gardener in large historic public gardens across the UK. I have maintained many blooms fast growing shrubs and evergreen topiary bushes – over 200 formal topiary shrubs in one particular garden – and pruned them at the right time of year for the best displays for the public to enjoy.

This guide to when to prune shrubs looks at several different types, describing the best time to prune shrubs and why, as well as when to avoid pruning. I use my experience and hear from other gardening experts to determine the best time to prune shrubs to keep yours healthy and thriving.

When to Prune Flowering Shrubs