How to prune itea virginica

Late winter to early spring; deadhead promptly after flowering in summer. In late winter, remove dead or weak stems at ground level. After summer flowering, cut spent flower stalks back to the nearest healthy bud or leaf. Every few years, remove the oldest, woodiest canes at the base.

Annually for tidying; rejuvenation thinning every 3–5 years. Itea virginica benefits from light annual pruning to keep it tidy and encourage strong flowering. Remove spent flower racemes after bloom and cut out any dead, damaged, or crossing wood in late winter. This suckering shrub also responds well to occasional removal of the oldest stems at the base to rejuvenate it.

In late winter, remove dead or weak stems at ground level. After summer flowering, cut spent flower stalks back to the nearest healthy bud or leaf. Every few years, remove the oldest, woodiest canes at the base.