How to prune blue holly 'blue princess'

Late winter to early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches back to their origin. Lightly shape the outline by cutting back overlong stems to a leaf node or side branch. Use sharp bypass pruners and disinfect between cuts. Keep pruning sporadic and judicious — only a few branches per session.

Annually in late winter; minimal intervention preferred. Blue Princess Holly is a dense, pyramidal evergreen that holds its form well with minimal pruning. Prune lightly in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins to shape it and remove dead wood. Avoid heavy cuts — berries form on the previous season's growth, and over-pruning reduces the winter berry display. Never prune in late summer or fall.

Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches back to their origin. Lightly shape the outline by cutting back overlong stems to a leaf node or side branch. Use sharp bypass pruners and disinfect between cuts. Keep pruning sporadic and judicious — only a few branches per session.