Pruning and Growth

Pruning changes plant energy and structure. The right timing depends on whether the plant flowers on new growth, old growth, or stored reserves.

Growth Tasks

Task	Used for	Notes
Pinching	Basil, coleus, chrysanthemums	Encourages branching
Deadheading	Roses, annuals, perennials	Removes spent flowers
Thinning	Fruit trees, shrubs, dense perennials	Improves airflow and structure
Renewal pruning	Shrubs and canes	Removes old stems to stimulate new ones
Training	Vines, espalier fruit, climbers	Directs growth onto support
Division	Grasses, hostas, irises	Rejuvenates crowded clumps
Staking	Tomatoes, dahlias, young trees	Prevents collapse or wind damage

Timing Rule

Spring-flowering shrubs often bloom on old wood, so prune after flowering. Summer-flowering shrubs often bloom on new growth, so prune before the main growth flush.