Thinking about pruning your spring-flowering shrubs? Rejuvenation pruning is a good way to improve the appearance, and can help if older material is outgrowing its space.
Forsythia and azaleas should be pruned after they’ve bloomed. To rejuvenate older plants, you can remove up to a third of the material. This can be older, woody stems, down to the crown, or a third of the canopy. Obviously, this project requires a patient gardener, but you’ll appreciate the results.
Another plant with late winter and early spring interest is the red- or yellow-twig dogwood. The brightly colored stems are a great addition to the quiet gardens this time of year. They’re easy to prune and keep colorful: just cut out the older stems that are turning brown and you’re done.
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