If you want to keep your Spirea looking its best, regular pruning is a must. However, there isn’t a “one size fits all” rule here—the timing and technique really depend on which variety you have and how you’re using it in your landscape. Let’s dive into the details so you can prune with confidence!
When and How Should You Prune Spirea?
The secret to successful pruning lies in knowing your plant’s bloom time. This determines both when you should grab your shears and how much you should take off. Generally, we categorize them into two groups:
- Summer-blooming varieties
- Spring-blooming varieties
For both types, a good pair of bypass pruners or garden shears will do the trick. Just a quick heads-up: always check for nesting birds before you start hacking away, as it’s best to avoid heavy structural pruning during peak nesting season to keep our feathered friends safe.
Pruning Summer-Blooming Spirea
Summer bloomers are pretty hardy and can handle a “tough love” approach. In late winter (around February), you can give them a radical haircut. Cut the stems back significantly, leaving only about 4 to 8 inches of growth. This hard prune encourages vigorous new growth and a spectacular flower show in the summer. If you’re not feeling quite that bold, at least trim the stems back by about a third to keep the shape tidy.
Pruning Spring-Blooming Spirea
Spring bloomers are a bit different because they set their buds on “old wood” (growth from the previous year). If you give them a radical winter prune, you’ll accidentally cut off all of this year’s flowers! Instead, aim to prune these every two years to rejuvenate the shrub and keep it healthy. The best time to do this is right after the flowers fade. Here’s your game plan:
- Cut about a third of the oldest, woodiest stems down to the ground.
- Remove any dead or damaged wood at the base.
- Trim back any “stray” branches that are sticking out to maintain a nice shape.
- Always make your cuts just above a pair of leaves or a healthy bud.
Spirea as a Privacy Hedge
If you’re growing Spirea as a hedge, you’ll need to be a bit more diligent. These plants handle shaping well and can usually take two trims a year to keep that neat, hedge-like appearance. Just try to schedule your major shaping during the dormant season (late fall through late winter) to avoid disturbing local wildlife.
Cutting Flowers for the Vase
Spirea branches make gorgeous, airy additions to a dining room centerpiece! One pro tip: Spirea buds usually won’t open once they’ve been cut from the bush. To get the best look, only harvest stems that are already in full bloom.
