How to prune pachystachys coccinea

After each flowering period; hard rejuvenation prune in early spring. Cut flowered stems back by half to two-thirds to a healthy leaf node or side shoot using sharp shears. For overgrown plants in spring, cut all stems back to 15–20 cm from the base to stimulate vigorous new growth.

After each bloom cycle; hard prune annually in spring. Pachystachys coccinea (Cardinal's Guard) is an upright tropical shrub with striking scarlet flower spikes. Prune it back by half after each flowering cycle to prevent legginess and encourage a fresh flush of growth and blooms. Without pruning it becomes tall, woody, and sparse. Annual hard pruning in spring also rejuvenates older plants.

Cut flowered stems back by half to two-thirds to a healthy leaf node or side shoot using sharp shears. For overgrown plants in spring, cut all stems back to 15–20 cm from the base to stimulate vigorous new growth.