May Pruning Guide: 7 Plants to Trim Now for Gorgeous Spring Growth

Spring is truly springing into action, and for us green thumbs, that means getting our hands a little dirty, in the best way possible!

May is a prime time to give certain plants a little snip-snip to encourage an even more energetic growth and a dazzling display in the coming weeks.

May the May pruning Force be with you (and your garden).

Before You Prune: A Quick Note for Beginners

Rose bush spring pruning: A gardener is cutting dead rose branches back to healthy wood

New to the world of pruning? No need to feel intimidated! Often, a light trim can be surprisingly beneficial for your plants and is quite safe to do. However, make sure your pruning tools are clean and sharp. Using dull blades can, unfortunately, cause more damage than improvement.

Furthermore, with shrubs that flower in the spring and have already displayed their blooms, it’s typically wise to refrain from significant pruning at this time.

Unless you’re simply aiming for some light shaping. Some caution now will protect the floral display you’ll enjoy next year.

7 Plants You Should Prune in May

You might be wondering why these seven specifically, and why this time of year?

Well, as the season gently warms in many regions, these particular plants are either just finishing their initial energetic growth spurt or are gearing up for a floral show. It’s all about timing the trim just right to tap into their natural growth cycles.

1: Roses

Think of giving your roses some breathing room. Snip away any branches that look tired, weak, or are rubbing against each other; this helps keep them healthy. Also, a little shaping now encourages stronger stems, better able to support those gorgeous blooms later.

Learn here how (and when) to prune your roses.

2: Lavender

If your lavender is looking a bit stretched out, a gentle trim will maintain that lovely, full shape we all appreciate. Be sure to stick to the greener parts, avoiding cuts into the woody stems; new growth usually doesn’t emerge there. What we won’t do for that wonderful fragrance!

3: Salvia

Want more of those perky salvia flowers? Give them a little haircut by trimming back some of the early growth. And once flowers fade, don’t hesitate to snip them off (that’s deadheading); it encourages the plant to produce more colorful spikes.

4: Hydrangeas (Smooth or Panicle types)

With hydrangeas, knowing your type is everything. If it blooms on new growth, like smooth or panicle kinds, a light prune in May can lead to more blooms.

But a heads up: if you have mophead or lacecap types, hold off on May pruning to avoid cutting off this year’s flowers. You can check out my article that explains more in depth how and when to prune each type of hydrangea for all the details.

5: Catmint (Nepeta)

Quite easygoing, catmint benefits from a little grooming, too. Cutting it back encourages a fresh wave of those lovely, bee-attracting flowers. As a bonus, it is super simple to shape, so you can keep it looking just as you like.

6: Coreopsis

To keep those cheerful coreopsis flowers coming longer, just give them a little deadheading, snip off the faded blooms. A bit of light shaping also helps it stay tidy and encourages even more of those sunny, daisy like flowers.

7: Yarrow

A little May pruning can do the trick if your yarrow is getting a bit floppy or has some older, tired-looking stems. Cut back those older parts to help your plant stay more compact and upright.

Quick Pruning Tips for Success

Should You Cut Back Hydrangeas That Look Like Bare Sticks? Here’s What to Know!

Even experienced gardeners find a review helpful occasionally, so if you’re newer to pruning, you’re in good company. Keep these essential pointers in mind for optimal trimming:

For healthy cuts and to hinder disease transmission, ensure your pruners are sharp and clean;
Understanding when your plant flowers is critical before you start cutting;
Aim your cuts just above where a new leaf or bud is forming on the stem;
Be a good plant parent and promptly remove anything that looks sad, sick, or has given up the ghost;
Snip away any branches that are growing right through each other or rubbing to improve airflow and prevent chafing;
A good rule is to not remove more than roughly a third of the plant’s total growth at once;
When in doubt, it’s wiser to trim a little less; you can always go back, but you can’t un-cut;
Take some time to learn the specific pruning needs of each plant you grow.

Don’t forget that putting off pruning can have negative effects later. Just as you wouldn’t let untidy hair detract from your appearance, overgrown plants can suffer too!

First, excess foliage and stems can impede healthy development and vibrant blooms. Second, overcrowded conditions that result from neglect can make your plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases. So the principle is the same for all of us: feeling good starts with some good ol’ grooming!

Pruning, like poetry, thrives on intentional shaping

So, dear class, why do we prune? To invest in the future beauty and health of our gardens! When do we prune these seven plants? In May!

Or, as the famous British gardener W. Shakespear might have said: ‘Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,’ but pruning before flowering ensures those future blooms will have the strength and space to truly shine!