Old fashion Nandina in Desperate Need of Pruning

Eventually, old foundation shrubs around your home grow too tall and spindly and need to be started over. Rather than digging them up, most deciduous and a few broadleaf shrubs respond to rejuvenation pruning. Sorry, evergreen conifers do not respond to this form of pruning.

Get started with a sharp pair of pruning loppers or tree saw for the large cuts and hand pruners for smaller cuts. February and March are good times to rejuvenate old shrubs.

Before getting started with pruning, understand what you’re about to do. You desire a low, dense-growing multi-stemmed shrub. Pruning reduces shrub size and redirects new growth from surface roots and above-ground shoots. 

Remove the tallest and thickest woody shoots to the ground. Cutback pencil-thick shoots to 12-18 inches from the ground. Remove all weak or dead stems flush to the ground.

After pruning, feed the shrubs, applying 1-2 handfuls of 10-10-10 (or equivalent) granular fertilizer in a 1-2 feet wide circle around each shrub. Disperse no fertilizer closer than 6 inches from the shrub base.

Rejuvenated shrubs should vigorously re-grow in the spring and summer months. Summer flowering shrubs likely will not bloom the first year after pruning.

Caveat: pruned shrubs must be in good health before attempting to rejuvenate them. If they have not re-grown by late May, a trip to the garden center to purchase new plants is in order.