Pruning and Deadheading Shrubs: Techniques by Growth Habit

Regular pruning (usually yearly) maintains desired size and prevents center die-out. Method depends on growth habit:

New Stems from Base (Canes)

Most deciduous and some evergreen shrubs produce canes from the base. Keep vigorous by periodically removing oldest/weakest stems.

Framework of Branches

Most evergreen and some deciduous shrubs form permanent branch frameworks. Typically only need removal of dead, damaged, diseased, or poorly placed branches.

Deadheading

Azalea, rhododendron, pieris, and similar shrubs need little pruning beyond deadheading—removing faded flowers before seed set. Skipping this drastically reduces next year's blooms.

Technique: Snap off spent clusters between thumb and forefinger, careful not to damage growth buds just above.