Which Shrubs to Prune in the Fall — and Which Ones to Leave Alone

When the Fayetteville weather finally cools, gardeners get the itch to tidy up the yard. Fall feels like the perfect time to grab pruners and give shrubs a haircut — but timing is everything. Some shrubs actually benefit from a fall trim, while others could lose all their blooms for the next season if you cut them now. Here’s a detailed guide to help you know the difference.

Shrubs to Prune in the Fall

Some plants thrive when given a little shaping in autumn:

• Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea): These showy hydrangeas bloom on new wood, which means pruning in the fall or winter won’t affect next year’s flowers. Cutting back old growth also helps them maintain a strong, attractive shape.

• Roses (Shrub & Knock Out® Roses): Knock Outs and other shrub roses appreciate light pruning in the fall. Remove dead or diseased canes to keep them healthy and reduce overwintering pests. Save heavy pruning for late winter.

• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia): This pollinator favorite can be trimmed back lightly in the fall to clean it up, though most gardeners wait until late winter for harder cuts.

Shrubs Not to Prune in the Fall

Some of the Sandhills’ most loved landscape shrubs shouldn’t be touched until after blooming:

• Azaleas: One of Fayetteville’s most iconic spring shrubs. Since azaleas form buds in late summer for the following spring, fall pruning will cut off next year’s display.

• Camellias: Whether they bloom in fall or winter, buds are already set by autumn. Pruning now interrupts the show.

• Forsythia: These cheerful yellow-blooming shrubs also bloom on old wood, meaning they should only be pruned right after flowering in spring.

General Rule of Thumb

If it blooms in spring, skip pruning in fall. Save your snips for shrubs that bloom on new wood or simply remove dead/diseased branches for now.