How to prune stachyurus praecox

Immediately after flowering, late February to March. Cut two or three of the oldest, most congested stems to ground level to encourage vigorous new flowering shoots from the base. Shorten any awkwardly placed branches to a healthy outward-facing bud. Avoid hard pruning into old bare wood.

Annually, after flowering. Stachyurus praecox is a winter-flowering shrub that benefits from light pruning to maintain shape and encourage flowering wood. Prune immediately after the catkin-like flower chains fade in late winter or early spring — cutting before flowering removes the display. Remove one or two of the oldest stems to the base annually to rejuvenate.

Cut two or three of the oldest, most congested stems to ground level to encourage vigorous new flowering shoots from the base. Shorten any awkwardly placed branches to a healthy outward-facing bud. Avoid hard pruning into old bare wood.