As the backbone of any garden, it is essential to keep shrubs in good condition through regular pruning. This will improve a plant's shape, as well as encourage flowers and fruits.
What to do
Use clean, sharp tools and make clean cuts above a pair of buds, leaving no snags.
Rejuvenate old shrubs when dormant. Thin the number of stems by half and remove old, dead wood.
When re-potting container-grown shrubs, prune the roots as well as the top growth by one-third.
Pruning down to a few buds will boost growth on any shrub.
As a general rule, prune shrubs in early spring and after flowering.
Most evergreen shrubs do not need thinning or formative pruning.
