Pruning Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Salvia - Woody

• Scientific Name

  Salvia greggii, S. chamaedryoides, S. coccinea, S. microphylla, S. Clevelandii
• Image & Information

  

  Salvia microphylla. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

  As a general rule, these salvia may be pruned severely in the late fall or in the spring. The decision depends upon whether a gardener’s climate includes many nights of freezing temperatures. If so, then it is best to prune in the spring, so that the previous year’s growth can protect the emerging new growth. If frost damage is not an issue, then the best time for an annual pruning is in the late fall.

• When to Prune

  Late fall or spring
• Flowers/Fruit on New or Old Wood

  New Wood
• How & What to Prune

  In late fall or spring (see Information), prune the branches to within five to eight inches from the ground, but not below the lowest emerging foliage. Cutting below that level may kill that branch.

  If the plant has become dense, unkempt or too large for its place in the garden, removing some branches may be necessary. Removing approximately one-third of the oldest branches each year will keep the plant from becoming too woody.

  During the growing season, remove spent blooms to stimulate new growth and flowering.