Rejuvenating an Overgrown Pearlbush: Hard Pruning in Late Winter

Drastic Pruning Now for a Better Shape Later

Pearlbush (Exochorda racemosa) becomes leggy and sparse with age. Late winter (before spring bloom) is the ideal time for renewal pruning, even though you'll sacrifice this year's flowers.

How Hard Can You Cut?

You can reduce a 25-foot specimen to 3–4 feet. The plant will regrow vigorously from the base, forming a denser, more attractive shrub over the next few seasons.

Dr. Michael Dirr notes it "becomes floppy and unkempt with age," so don't hesitate to renovate. The long-term payoff is a compact, floriferous plant.