Hard pruning of shrubs - Pruning Guide at Gardenseeker

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Gardenseeker.com Pruning Guide

'Hard Pruning'

Hard pruning in Spring for stem and foliage effect.
Eucalyptus gunni, Catalpa Aurea, Cotinus, Dogwoods, Sambucus, Robinia frisia, etc.

Hard pruning in Spring for Shrubs that flower late mid-late summer on current season's growth
Tamarix pentandra (T. ramosissima) Not Tamarix tentandra which requires different treatment, Hydrangea Paniculata types. Also Buddlejas, Hardy Fuchsias, Hypericum, Lavatera, Prunus triloba (right after flowering), etc.

To rejuvenate old shrubs
or bring back into line shrubs such as Brachyglottis and Hypericum.

This is the normal procedure for producing masses of new shoots and lush colourful foliage. It looks savage - but it works. The pruned shrub will normally regain it's normal - size prior to pruning - in the growing season Spring to Autumn.	A huge framework of new branches is the result
Eucalyptus & Cotinus can be treated this way to (a) restrain the size of the shrub and (b) to produce spectacularly coloured foliage throughout the growing season. The same is true of Catalpa bignonioides Aurea.	The pruning should be carried out in early Spring (March) and a dressing of Fish Blood & Bonemeal - or your own favourite balanced fertilizer - to help the plant produce the strong growth required.

Tamarix pentandra showing previous
spring's pruning cuts. This Spring should
see all of the shoots cut back to within
5cm (2in) of their starting point

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