How to prune kolkwitzia amabilis 'pink cloud'

Immediately after flowering, typically late June to July. Use loppers to cut the oldest, thickest stems down to ground level — aim to remove about one-third of the oldest wood each year. Avoid winter or spring pruning, which removes flower buds set on last year's growth.

Annually after flowering. Beauty bush blooms on wood grown the previous year, so pruning at the wrong time wipes out the display. It benefits from annual thinning to keep the arching habit open and floriferous. Remove one-third of the oldest stems at the base immediately after flowering in early summer, and cut back any crossing or weak growth.

Use loppers to cut the oldest, thickest stems down to ground level — aim to remove about one-third of the oldest wood each year. Avoid winter or spring pruning, which removes flower buds set on last year's growth.