Pruning Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Loropetalum

• Scientific Name

  Loropetalum chinense
• Image & Information

  

  Loropetalum chinensis. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

  Flowers grow on old and new wood.

  Loropetalum have two blooming cycles. They begin flowering in late winter (usually February) on old wood that formed during the previous growing season and cover themselves in masses of blossoms through March. They then bloom sporadically throughout the summer on new wood that forms during the current growing season. This poses a question regarding the best time to prune. If the goal is to maximize spring blossoms, then it is best to prune in the late spring, after the early blooming period. This will sacrifice some summer and fall blossoms, but, if performed soon after the bloom, there is sufficient time remaining in the growing season for wood to grow on, which the buds for next spring’s blossoms will form.

  • Loropetalum branches are very brittle. Be careful not to lean into the plant when making pruning cuts, because even a small bend in a branch could break it.
  • With minimal pruning, a Loropetalum will become a dense shrub. Some gardeners prefer this look.
• When to Prune

  Twice Each Year—Winter and After the Spring Bloom
• Flowers/Fruit on New or Old Wood

  N / A
• How & What to Prune

  Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood.

  Use thinning and releadering cuts to remove or shorten crossing branches.

  During the winter, the plant may be opened and shaped using thinning and releadering cuts, but branch removal will sacrifice some existing flower buds that formed during the previous summer.

  In the late spring, after the bloom, the plant also may be opened and shaped using thinning and releadering cuts, but branch removal will sacrifice some new wood on which the second flush of flowers forms.

  If the plant has become too large for its location, but spring blossoms are a pruning objective, it is best to wait until April to undertake significant restructuring.