As April arrives in Zone 6a, many gardeners are eager to grab their pruners and get to work shaping up their landscapes. But before you make a single cut, it’s important to know which plants welcome spring pruning — and which ones should be left alone until later. At Nunan’s Florist & Garden Center in Georgetown, MA, we’re here to help you prune with confidence and set your garden up for a beautiful, healthy season ahead.

Prune Now: Plants That Benefit from April Pruning

1. Roses (Except Ramblers):
Now’s the perfect time to prune most roses. Cut back dead or damaged canes, and shape the plant to encourage airflow and new growth. For hybrid teas and floribundas, look for outward-facing buds and cut above them at a 45° angle. Leave rambler roses alone until after they bloom in early summer.

2. Panicle & Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata & H. arborescens):
These bloom on new wood, so spring is ideal for pruning. Cut them back by about one-third to promote strong, sturdy stems and lush flower heads later in the summer. ‘Limelight’ and ‘Annabelle’ are good examples of these types.

3. Summer-Blooming Shrubs:
Butterfly bush, spirea, caryopteris, and potentilla all bloom on new growth, so go ahead and prune them now. Remove old, woody stems and shape for size and structure.

4. Ornamental Grasses:
If you haven’t already, cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches above the ground. New shoots are often starting to emerge by April, so don’t wait too long!

5. Dead or Damaged Wood (on any plant):
Regardless of the plant type, it’s always safe to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Just be sure you’re cutting back to healthy growth.

What to Leave Alone (For Now)

1. Bigleaf & Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla & H. quercifolia):
These bloom on old wood, so pruning now will likely remove this year’s flower buds. Wait until after they bloom to shape or reduce size, and be gentle with early clean-up.

2. Spring-Blooming Shrubs:
Forsythia, lilac, rhododendron, azalea, and weigela all set buds last year. Pruning in April will cut off this season’s blossoms. Let them bloom, and prune just after flowers fade.

3. Evergreens & Conifers:
Hold off on pruning boxwood, arborvitae, and yews until late spring. Pruning now may encourage tender new growth that can be damaged by late frosts.

Quick Pruning Tips from Nunan’s Experts:

• Always use sharp, clean tools.

• Make angled cuts just above a healthy bud or side branch.

• Don’t be afraid to take your time — less is more with some plants.

• When in doubt, stop in and ask! Our staff is happy to help ID plants and guide your pruning efforts.

Visit our garden center this spring to stock up on pruners, plant tags, fertilizer, and everything else you need to refresh your landscape. Plus, download the Nunan’s app for exclusive in-store deals and seasonal tips!