Shoots growing this year will carry flowers next spring. Late spring and early summer-flowering shrubs, such as philadelphus and deutzia, should be pruned in a similar way once their blooms have gone. Spring blossoms clothe the stems of the shrubby Prunus triloba , a compact cherry ideal for small gardens. As soon as the blooms are over, all stems need cutting back to leave a woody base from which new shoots will be given a chance to speedily form. New shoots grow each year from the base of Kerria japonica , which is a spreading, suckering shrub.
Shoots forming one year carry bright yellow flowers the following spring.
Once blooms have faded in May, these should be cut hard down to their base at ground level, or to new side shoots emerging from low down on the stems. Heathers which bloom in winter and spring, such as Erica carnea , should be trimmed lightly after flowering. Just remove the old flowers from the shoot tips, evening up growth, but take care not to prune back too hard into old wood. Cutting back to the base Old for new Keep your shrubs in shape Pruning after flowering Search for plants by plant name or sun exposure and soil type. An in-depth look at some garden favourites.