By Steve Bender | Updated on November 10, 2024
Fact-checked by Jennifer Hawk
Pruning is essential to maintain the health and beauty of your garden, but timing is everything. According to gardening expert Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener, “bloom time is the key to pruning.” Fall is an excellent season to prune certain plants, as it clears old growth and prepares them for a fresh start in the spring. However, not all plants are fall-friendly for pruning—some, like azaleas and lilacs, can lose their chance to bloom if pruned now.
To make the most of your efforts, focus on plants that bloom on new growth or benefit from a tidy-up before winter. Here are ten plants you can safely prune in the fall, along with expert tips to ensure a healthy and vibrant garden.
1. Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia sp.)
This fast-growing plant blooms from spring through fall. Prune it only after the flowering season ends, removing spent flowers and dead branches to encourage strong growth in the next season.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia sp.)
Certain butterfly bushes, like Buddleia alternifolia, should be pruned in fall after blooming. Remove old wood close to the ground to rejuvenate the plant. For varieties like Buddleia davidii, wait until late winter or early spring.
3. Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Since chaste trees bloom on new growth, you can prune them in late fall or winter. Remove twiggy growth and crowded branches to promote better blooming in the next season. Deadheading spent flowers may even lead to a second round of blooms.
4. Delphinium (Delphinium grandiflorum)
After the blooms fade, cut the flower stalks close to the ground, leaving the base foliage intact. This helps the plant conserve energy for next season.
5. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Once gardenias finish their blooming season in fall, trim away fading flowers and leggy branches to maintain their shape and health.
6. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas like ‘Annabelle’ and ‘Limelight’ thrive with fall pruning, but avoid pruning Oakleaf hydrangeas, as they bloom on old wood. Remove spent flowers and weak stems to keep the plant looking fresh.
7. ‘Knock Out’ Roses
These roses bloom on new growth and can be pruned during late fall. Cut them back by about one-third to encourage healthy growth and reduce pest issues. Avoid pruning in late summer to early fall when they are actively growing.
8. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender can be pruned in fall after the last blooms fade. Shear the plant back by one-third to half to maintain its neat, compact shape, ensuring it’s ready for winter.
9. Phlox (Phlox subulata)
After blooming in late spring or early summer, cut phlox back halfway. This keeps the plant tidy and promotes healthy regrowth in the coming season.
10. Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Prune pomegranate trees in late fall or winter by removing twiggy growth and inward-facing branches. Select a few main trunks and cut away the rest to keep the plant open and productive.
Final Tips for Fall Pruning
When pruning in the fall, always use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased growth, and avoid heavy pruning for spring-blooming plants. Pruning at the right time not only promotes vibrant blooms but also prepares your garden to weather the challenges of winter.