How to prune dutchman's pipe

Late winter while fully dormant. Remove all dead, crossing, or damaged stems entirely. Shorten over-long stems to a strong bud within the allotted space. Thin crowded growth from the interior to improve air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning in one season on established plants — spread hard cutting over two years if needed.

Annually. Dutchman's pipe is a large, vigorous deciduous climber grown primarily for its bold foliage and unusual flowers. It needs pruning to keep it within bounds rather than for flowering performance. Prune in late winter while dormant, removing dead stems and cutting back overly long growth to maintain the desired shape and size on its support.

Remove all dead, crossing, or damaged stems entirely. Shorten over-long stems to a strong bud within the allotted space. Thin crowded growth from the interior to improve air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning in one season on established plants — spread hard cutting over two years if needed.