How to prune ardisia crenata

Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts. Sterilize shears with rubbing alcohol. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches completely. Cut overly long stems back by up to one-third, making angled cuts just above a leaf node. Avoid heavy pruning of berry-laden branches while fruit is on display.

Annually (light shaping can be done during the growing season as needed). Ardisia crenata (Coral Berry) is a slow-growing shrub that benefits from light annual pruning to maintain a compact shape and remove old wood. Avoid cutting berry-bearing branches mid-display. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing dead wood and trimming leggy stems back by about one-third.

Sterilize shears with rubbing alcohol. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches completely. Cut overly long stems back by up to one-third, making angled cuts just above a leaf node. Avoid heavy pruning of berry-laden branches while fruit is on display.