How to prune purple rose tree

Spring or early summer as active growth begins; after a branch has flowered. Cut leggy stems back by up to one-third, making cuts just above a leaf node or rosette junction. Remove spent flowering branches at their base. Use clean, sharp secateurs to avoid crushing the fleshy stems.

Annually, or as needed to maintain shape. Purple Rose Tree (Aeonium arboreum 'Atropurpureum') is a shrubby, branching succulent that benefits from light pruning to maintain a bushy shape and prevent legginess. Pinch or cut growing tips to encourage branching. Remove any dead rosettes after flowering. Note: individual rosettes are monocarpic and die after blooming, but branched plants typically survive.

Cut leggy stems back by up to one-third, making cuts just above a leaf node or rosette junction. Remove spent flowering branches at their base. Use clean, sharp secateurs to avoid crushing the fleshy stems.