June is a bit like coming up to the top of the first drop of a roller coaster ride. It’s that slow and steady rise above the daffodils and crocus, above the trees budding out, and above the wildlife waking up from their winter slumbers. And just when you least expect it, there’s a slight pause and then – whoosh – it’s suddenly summer!
That timing is kind of important this month, too, because it’s that pause that allows us to take care of some of the woody plants in our gardens.
But not all of them should be met with secateurs and loppers. There are a handful of plants that specifically benefit from a snip in June—and some that absolutely don’t.
Timing is everything in the garden, especially when it comes to flowering trees and shrubs. Prune too early, and you might lose this year’s blooms. Prune too late, and you’ll cut off next year’s.
Let’s take a look at which are best pruned in June and why, how to do it right, and which ones you should leave alone for now.
Why Prune in June?
June is a sweet spot in the gardening calendar. (Mainly because you can still be outside without needing three showers and an entire stick of deodorant a day yet.) That fast and furious rush of spring growth has finally ebbed, and the risk of frost is long gone (maybe, who knows these days), but more importantly, you can easily see what’s done blooming and what is still to come.
For many spring-flowering shrubs, June marks the end of their blooming period, making it the perfect time to tidy them up without sacrificing next year’s flowers.
Spring-Flowering Shrubs to Prune in June
It’s important to get the timing right for these. These shrubs bloom on old wood—that is, wood that grew the previous year—so if you wait too long, you’ll actually be cutting off the buds for next year’s flowers. (I learned the hard way when I went after my Bridal Wreath Spirea last July. Oops!)
Lilacs (Syringa spp.)
Prune lilacs as soon as their flowers begin to fade. This helps redirect the plant’s energy into producing new growth and next year’s flower buds. Cut back spent flower heads and shape the plant by removing up to a third of the oldest stems right at the base to encourage younger, more productive growth.
Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
I love my forsythia. It’s the first thing that flowers each year. But this cheerful yellow bloomer needs to be pruned immediately after flowering. (Learn how here.) Left to its own devices, forsythia becomes leggy and unruly.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas and rhododendrons should be pruned right after flowering, typically in late May or June. Use sharp shears to deadhead spent blooms and shape the plant lightly. If you’ve got a shrub that hasn’t been pruned in a few years, prune selectively by cutting back individual branches just above a leaf node.
Note: Some varieties, like Encore azaleas, bloom more than once and may need different timing.
Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
For spring-blooming spirea, such as Spiraea x vanhouttei (bridal wreath), prune just after flowering. Cut back flowered stems and thin out about a third of the oldest branches at the base to maintain shape and vigor.
Summer-blooming spirea, like Spiraea japonica, should be pruned in early spring or late winter instead. (After finding a litter of kittens in my Spirea japonica last May, I made sure to prune it hard this winter to ensure another crop. Alas, no kittens yet.)
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles)
This is another flowering tree that likes a tidy-up shortly after it has finished blooming, usually in late spring or early summer. Remove any suckers and dead wood and prune to maintain or reshape.
Weigela (Weigela florida)
Weigela produces a heavy flush of flowers in late spring to early summer. If you can catch it after the first bloom and give it a prune, you’ll get a second wave of flowers. Trim back spent blooms and remove dead or damaged wood. Older shrubs can be rejuvenated by cutting back a third of the oldest stems.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus spp.)
Mock orange is another late spring to early summer bloomer that benefits from June pruning. After flowering, remove spent blossoms and thin out older stems. Keep the plant open and airy to reduce disease risk.
Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)
This old-fashioned favorite can get quite large and messy if left unchecked. Prune immediately after it finishes flowering by removing old canes and trimming to shape.
Flowering Shrubs You Should NOT Prune in June
Of course, like most things in life, knowing what not to do is almost as important as what to do. With that in mind, here are several shrubs you should not prune in June.
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla, H. serrata)
Bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas bloom on old wood. Pruning in June risks removing next year’s blooms. If you must prune, limit it to deadheading and removing dead stems.
Panicle and smooth hydrangeas (like Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens) bloom on new wood and should be pruned in late winter or early spring.
When it comes to hydrangeas, when to prune and when not to can get confusing fast. So, check out Mickey’s article for more in-depth hydrangea pruning advice.
Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Some viburnum varieties bloom on old wood—don’t prune them in June unless you’re just deadheading. Know your species and bloom time before grabbing the loppers.
(I got entirely fed up with the viburnums taking over my side flower bed, so I paid my teenage boys to dig them up this spring, and I’ll be planting something less aggressive and hopefully prettier.)
Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis, W. floribunda)
Wisteria needs precise pruning to flower well, but June is not the time. Stick to late winter and late summer pruning for best results.
How to Prune
Regardless of the species, here are a few universal tips for successful pruning:
- Always use clean, sharp tools. Disinfect between plants to prevent the spread of disease.
- Cut at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud or branch.
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood first. Then, shape the plant.
- Don’t remove more than a third of the plant in one season. Too much pruning at once can stress the plant.
- Do take a few steps back frequently. Keep checking the shape and balance as you go.
All Pruned and Ready for Summer
June might not be the flashiest month in the garden, with spring blossoms over and summer blossoms not yet arrived, but it’s an important month of transition. Pruning is never glamorous work (is anything gardening-related glamorous?), but it’s an important job as you’re quite literally shaping next year’s blooms.
Whether you’re battling back a wily forsythia or reshaping a flowering quince, pruning now means more blooms, healthier shrubs, and a garden that keeps getting better year after year.
So, mix up your first batch of switchel of the season, put on your gloves and pop in your earbuds. We’ve got pruning to do and audiobooks to listen to as we head into June.
More June Pruning Jobs
While you’ve got those pruners out, June is the perfect time to “Chelsea chop” these twenty-eight perennials…
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