Pruning guide
How to prune japanese laurel
More japanese laurel care
Pruning japanese laurel — FAQ
When should I prune japanese laurel?
Late spring, once risk of hard frost has passed. Use clean, sharp secateurs to remove dead or frost-damaged stems, cutting to just above a healthy bud or to the base. Prune reverted all-green shoots back to the main stem immediately. For shaping, shorten wayward stems to a leaf node in late spring — avoid autumn pruning as new growth may be damaged by frost.
How often does japanese laurel need pruning?
As needed; no routine annual pruning required. Japanese Laurel (Aucuba japonica) is a slow-growing, low-maintenance evergreen shrub that needs minimal pruning. Remove any all-green (reverted) shoots on variegated forms promptly. Cut out frost-damaged or dead stems to live wood in late spring. Light shaping can be done in spring. It does not require routine annual pruning to perform well.
How do you prune japanese laurel?
Use clean, sharp secateurs to remove dead or frost-damaged stems, cutting to just above a healthy bud or to the base. Prune reverted all-green shoots back to the main stem immediately. For shaping, shorten wayward stems to a leaf node in late spring — avoid autumn pruning as new growth may be damaged by frost.