December is a crucial month for fall garden maintenance, especially when it comes to flowering shrubs.
The tricky part? Knowing which shrubs are ready for a trim and which ones should be left untouched until spring.
If you’re unsure, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many gardeners wonder whether pruning now will help or hurt their plants come spring.
Let’s break down what you need to know to give your shrubs the best care possible.
Shrubs You Should Prune in December
Hydrangeas (depending on variety):
Hydrangeas are a favorite in many gardens, but they can also be a bit confusing when it comes to pruning.
Some varieties, like Annabelle and PeeGee, bloom on new wood, meaning they can be pruned in December without any issues. Cutting them back now will actually encourage better growth and blooms next season.
However, be careful with types like Bigleaf hydrangeas. These beauties bloom on old wood, which means they’ve already set their buds for next year.
Pruning them in December will cut off next year’s flowers—definitely not what you want! If you’re not sure which hydrangea variety you have, it’s safer to wait until spring.
If you want to learn more about pruning hydrangeas, here’s a full guide on how and when to prune hydrangeas for flower explosion!
Roses:
Light pruning is okay for roses in December, especially if you want to control their shape or get rid of dead wood. This isn’t the time for a hard prune, though—that should wait until late winter or early spring.
Focus on tidying up your roses to prevent damage from winter winds, but don’t go overboard. We’ll dive deeper into rose care in the next article.
Also, here’s a full guide on how to prude roses for maximum blooms!
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia):
The butterfly bush is a tough, resilient plant that can handle a good pruning in the fall. In fact, cutting it back now helps encourage new growth in the spring.
Trim it down to about one-third of its height, and you’ll likely see even more vibrant blooms next season. This shrub thrives with a fall prune, so don’t be afraid to give it a good cut.
Shrubs to Leave Alone
Lilacs:
Lilacs are one of those shrubs that people often prune at the wrong time—I’ve made this mistake myself! Because lilacs set their flower buds in the fall, pruning them in December will result in fewer blooms next spring.
If you want your lilacs to burst with flowers, wait until after they’ve bloomed next year to prune. Trust me, your future self will thank you when those fragrant flowers fill your garden.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons:
These shrubs are similar to lilacs in that they set their flower buds in the fall. Pruning now would mean sacrificing those buds and leaving you with fewer blooms come spring.
Azaleas and rhododendrons prefer to be pruned right after they’ve finished flowering in late spring or early summer. Let them be in December, and they’ll reward you with a spectacular display next year.
Forsythia:
Forsythia is another shrub that’s best left alone in the fall. Like lilacs, it blooms on old wood, so pruning in December will cut off next year’s flowers.
If you want to keep your forsythia in shape, wait until after its bright yellow flowers have faded in the spring. This is when you can safely prune without worrying about losing blooms.
Additional December Shrub Care Tips
Aside from pruning, there are a few other things you can do in December to keep your flowering shrubs healthy and strong through the winter months.
Water deeply before the ground freezes
One of the best things you can do for your shrubs before winter is to give them a deep watering. This helps them store up moisture to get through the cold months ahead.
Make sure you water your shrubs thoroughly before the ground freezes—this will give their roots the hydration they need to survive the winter.
Mulch around the base of shrubs
Mulching is an excellent way to insulate the roots of your shrubs and protect them from the cold.
Spread a layer of mulch around the base of your shrubs to help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature more stable. This extra layer of protection can be especially helpful for more delicate plants.
Conclusion
December is a key month for preparing your flowering shrubs for winter, but knowing what to prune and what to leave alone is crucial.
Hydrangeas (depending on the variety), roses, and butterfly bush can all benefit from a careful prune, while lilacs, azaleas, rhododendrons, and forsythia should be left untouched until spring.
Along with proper watering and mulching, these simple care steps will help ensure your shrubs come back healthy and vibrant when the warm weather returns.
Get outside, grab your pruners, and give your garden the TLC it deserves—just be sure to know which shrubs are ready for a trim and which ones need a little more time to rest!
