How to prune kolkwitzia amabilis

Directly after flowering, early summer. Shorten flowered shoots to strong young laterals. Remove the oldest, woodiest canes at ground level — roughly one-quarter each year — to maintain an open, arching habit and prevent a congested, unproductive interior.

Annually after flowering. Beautybush blooms on old wood in late spring. Prune directly after flowering by cutting back flowered stems to vigorous new shoots lower on the branch. Each year remove one-quarter of the oldest, most congested canes at the base. Avoid autumn or spring pruning — the flower buds are already set and you will sacrifice the display.

Shorten flowered shoots to strong young laterals. Remove the oldest, woodiest canes at ground level — roughly one-quarter each year — to maintain an open, arching habit and prevent a congested, unproductive interior.