Pruning these plants too early in spring could ruin their floral show for the year.
Andre Baranowski
Spring often brings a long list ofgardening choressuch as cutting back dead growth after a long winter.
Spring pruning can rejuvenate many types of plants and make way for fresh leafy growth.
Credit:Andre Baranowski
However, there are some spring-blooming plants that you should never prune until after their flowers have faded.
Pruning before they bloom removes flower buds, reduces blooming, and impairs plant health.
To enjoy yourspring garden in all its flowering fullness, never prune the following plants in early spring.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Onlyprune azaleasand rhododendrons within three weeks after they bloom and apply fertilizer intended for acid-loving plants to maximize flowering.
Late-blooming clematis can bepruned in early springbefore their flower buds are plump.
Flowering Quince
Flowering quince shrubs are typically grown for their spring-blooming flowers.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Aside from removing suckers, these shrubs don’t need pruning often.
However, if the plants are overgrown, they can be pruned after flowering finishes.
A well-timed pruning can encourage quince plants to flower more profusely the following spring.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Forsythia
Forsythiasare some of the first ornamentals to bloom after winter.
Their sunny yellow flowers providemuch-needed support for pollinatorswhen other nectar sources are scarce.
Most honeysuckle varieties bloom in spring.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Cutting plants back at this time can snip away honeysuckle flowers when theyre looking their best.
Instead, prune plants after theyve bloomed, or do your pruning in winter when the plants are dormant.
As a result,these plants should not be pruned in autumnor early spring before they flower.
Credit: David Speer
Spring-Flowering Spirea
As with hydrangeas, there aremany types of spirea.
Viburnum
The buds that become aviburnum’s beautiful white spring flowers start developing in late summer.
Wait until right after your plant is done blooming to cut back this shrub.
Credit: Laurie Black
Some types of viburnum produce showy fruits in fall.
Avoid pruning off all the old flowers if you would like to still have some fruits on the plant.
Credit: Erica George Dines
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Bill Stites
