How to prune deutzia gracilis

Immediately after flowering, early summer. Shorten flowered stems back to vigorous new side shoots. Cut the oldest, most woody stems to ground level — aim to remove about one-quarter of the oldest canes annually to keep growth fresh.

Annually after flowering. Yes — Deutzia gracilis blooms on old wood in late spring and benefits from annual pruning directly after flowering. Cut back flowered stems to strong new shoots emerging from lower on the branch. Each year, remove one-quarter of the oldest stems at the base to prevent the centre becoming congested and woody.

Shorten flowered stems back to vigorous new side shoots. Cut the oldest, most woody stems to ground level — aim to remove about one-quarter of the oldest canes annually to keep growth fresh.