RHS Pruning Group 2 (Pruning Early-flowering shrubs)

Overview

Shrubs to be pruned in this group are plants that flower in spring or in early summer. They flower on stems which have grown in the previous year.

Which type of plants are suitable to prune with Pruning Group 2?

RHS pruning group 1 is suitable for some free-standing evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees that do not produce vigorous grow that needs controlling.

These plants will flower on either the current or previous year’s growth.

Which plants are suitable to prune with Pruning Group 2?

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple): Deciduous
Amelanchier grandiflora and lamarckii (Snowy Mespilus): Deciduous
Arbutus (Strawberry Tree): Evergreen
Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam): Deciduous (Prune late summer or early autumn)
Cornus kousa (Flowering dogwood): Deciduous
Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group (Copper Beech): Deciduous
Hamamelis (Witch Hazel): Deciduous
Heptacodium miconioides (Seven Son Flower Tree): Deciduous
Ilex (Holly): Evergreen
Laurus (Bay): Evergreen
Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet): Evergreen
Magnola: Deciduous
Malus ‘Rudolph’: (Crab Apple)
Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’: Evergreen
Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’: Flowering Cherry (Deciduous)
Rhododendron species (Deciduous azalea): Deciduous
Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’ (Whitebeam): Deciduous
Syringea (Lilac): Deciduous
Viburnum tinus ‘French White’: Evergreen

How to prune plants in RHS pruning group 2.

Planting in this pruning group is not routine job. It is undertaken as and when necessary.

• Remove diseased shoots. Diseased shoots can lead to weakened plants or may kill some specimens.

• Remove damaged shoots. Partly cosmetic but partly to prevent infection.

• Remove congested shoots. Crossing branches on plants can lead to damage to stems and lead to infections that may weaken or even kill some plants.

• Remove shoots which are growing in a direction that they are not required to grow.  

• After you have pruned, mulch the plant and feed it.

When should I prune plants in RHS pruning group 2?

Prune in late winter or early spring.
Plants which ‘bleed’ if pruned in late winter i.e. Betula (Birch). Prune these plants in late summer or early autumn instead.
Deciduous magnolias: Late summer (to reduce the risk of dieback)
Deciduous Azaleas: Prune immediately after the plant flowers.
Syringea: Prune immediately after the plant flowers.