Shrubs that fall into this category include butterfly bush Buddleia.

Pruning Methods for Flowering Shrubs The primary objective in pruning flowering shrubs is to encourage new (flowering) growth from the base.

Shrubs with a suckering growth habit such as forsythia and lilac should have the oldest, biggest stems removed at ground level periodically.

This is best accomplished by thinning at the base or rejuvenation. Branch by Branch Shaping With branch to branch shaping, shorten the length of excessively long branches by cutting them back one-by-one. Sep 26, Pruning is an important cultural practice to maintain the health and appearance of flowering shrubs.

Removal of dead, damaged or diseased wood reduces insect and disease problems while allowing the pruner to catch problems before they get out of treeclearing.barted Reading Time: 4 mins.