RHS Pruning Group 8 (Pruning early flowering evergreen shrubs)

RHS Pruning Group 8 (Pruning early flowering evergreen shrubs)

RHS Pruning Group 8 (Pruning Early flowering evergreen shrubs)

 

Overview

Evergreen plants at times can become tall or leggy, and occasionally you end up looking at unsightly woody growth. To deal with this, remove one-third of the older woody growth each year, before the plants send up new shoots

Larger or slow-growing shrubs such as rhododendrons do not require as much pruning other than to reduce the risk of disease.

If you shrub is small like Lavenders or heathers for example, they do tend to have a limited life span of between 5 and 10 years depending on the conditions they are grown in but their lifespan can be increased by pruning in this group.

 

Which type of plants are suitable to prune with Pruning Group 8?

RHS pruning group 8 is suitable for early flowering evergreen shrubs. Examples being:

Berberis
Buxus
Camellia
Ceanothus
Choisya
Daphne
Hypericum
Laurel (Prunus lusitanica and Prunus laurocerasus)
Mahonia
Pieris
Azalea
Rhododendron
Viburnum tinus

Portuguese Laurel plants feature in Pruning group 8

How to prune plants in RHS pruning group 8.

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

  • Deadhead as necessary.

  • Remove damaged, rubbing, diseased or dead branches.

  • Thin out crowded shoots and shoots which make the plant look odd.

  • After pruning, mulch and feed with general-purpose fertiliser or specialist rose or other high-potassium fertiliser

When should I prune plants in RHS pruning group 8?

Prune in April or May after flowering.