Spring Pruning: Snip Snip, Bloom
What to Prune Now (& Why Your Plants Will Thank You For It)
We're on the tail-end of spring—and if you’re anything like us, you've found a good excuse to “accidentally” spend hours in the garden every day. As our summer gardens begin to take effect, don't forget that your spring bloomers are ready for their spring haircut. Let’s talk about three favorites that could use a little spring TLC:
Lilacs
Lilacs are the garden’s spring overachievers—showing up early, putting on a fragrant show, and then heading out before summer really gets going. As soon as your lilacs finish flowering, that’s your cue. Snip off those spent blooms and give the shrub a light shaping. It keeps the plant tidy and encourages more blooms next year. Bonus: it helps prevent your lilac from turning into a wild, leggy giant.
✂️ Prune right after flowering. Wait too long and you risk trimming off next year’s buds. No pressure, but timing is everything.
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Weigelas
These spring stunners bloom in waves, but once the main floral fireworks are done, it’s time to step in. Like lilacs, weigelas bloom on old wood, so if you wait until fall or next spring, you’ll be saying goodbye to those blossoms before they ever arrive.
✂️ Snip once flowers fade. A light trim shapes the plant and encourages new growth (which sometimes brings bonus blooms later in the season).
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Panicle & Smooth Hydrangeas
Here’s where things get fun. Panicle and smooth hydrangeas (like 'Limelight', 'Annabelle', and 'Quick Fire') bloom on new wood. That means pruning in early spring is not only safe—it’s encouraged! In fact, it’s the key to those giant, cones of blooms you know and love.
✂️ Prune in early spring. Don’t be shy. You can cut these back by as much as one-third to one-half. The more you cut, the stronger and more upright your blooms will be.
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A Few Quick Tips Before You Snip:
- Always use clean, sharp pruners.
- Don’t prune if it’s still frosty overnight. Let the weather settle in.
- When in doubt, step back, sip your coffee/tea, and stare at the plant a little longer. It helps.
Your spring pruning checklist isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving your plants a little encouragement and a good garden glow up to do what they do best.
Happy pruning!