Take extra care of your evergreen shrubs

When to Prune Evergreen Shrubs?

The best time to prune an evergreen shrub depends on the variety, but in general you can prune:

• Late winter – early spring: Once the severe cold has passed, trim any blackened, damaged, or broken branches. This pruning will stimulate new growth in spring and help the shrub regain a beautiful shape. It’s also the ideal time for shrubs that flower in summer, as it encourages new growth just before the flowering season.
• After flowering: For those that bloom in spring, it’s best to wait until the end of flowering to avoid cutting off flower buds.
• In autumn: Light pruning is possible, but avoid severe pruning before winter to prevent weakening the shrub against frost. You can also carry out a second pruning in August-September for vigorous shrubs, such as photinia, to regulate their growth. The new shoots will then turn red in autumn, adding a splash of colour.

How to prune them?

• Remove dead wood: Start by removing dead or diseased branches by cutting them at their base. This aerates the shrub and reduces the risk of infection.
• Trim overgrown branches: Cut back branches that extend beyond the desired shape of the shrub. Prune just above a bud or leaf node to encourage balanced regrowth.
• Refine the shape: Remove branches that cross or grow inward. This allows light and air to circulate properly, which is essential for a healthy shrub.
• Balance the density: For some evergreen shrubs like laurel or boxwood, it may be helpful to lightly thin out the branch density to prevent the shrub from becoming too bushy.

Specifics by variety:

• Oleander: Oleanders flower on the current year’s wood. To avoid compromising flowering, avoid severe pruning. Wait until it reaches five years old before starting to prune, then space out interventions every 4 to 5 years. In early spring, cut back all branches by one-third, removing dead or poorly placed stems. Wear gloves when handling this shrub, as its sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation.
• Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata): Prune Mexican Orange Blossom just after the first flowering in June or after the second, in autumn. Older plants can be cut back in March to encourage vigorous growth, although they will not flower the following spring after severe pruning.
• Rhododendron: Pruning is generally unnecessary for rhododendrons. In late summer, you can lightly tidy the shrub to maintain a balanced and airy shape.

How to Prune Evergreen Hedges?

Hedges of evergreen shrubs, whether tall or short, require regular pruning to maintain a beautiful, uniform shape. Prune your hedges once or twice a year, typically in late winter (early March) and in autumn (September or October). Avoid pruning during frost or drought periods, as this could stress the shrubs and compromise their health.

Examples of pruning by species:

• Viburnum tinus: Prune it after the end of flowering, around late March. If left unpruned, the shrub will produce berries, which are beneficial for birds in winter.
• Boxwood and Lonicera nitida: These shrubs are often used for low hedges and grow untidily from spring onwards. Prune them in spring using a sharp hedge trimmer to restore a uniform shape and refresh their appearance.

How to Care for Evergreen Shrubs?

Evergreen shrubs generally require less watering than flowering plants, but they still appreciate a deep watering during prolonged droughts, especially in the first few years after planting.

Mulching around the base of evergreen shrubs is beneficial year-round. In summer, it retains moisture, and in winter, it protects the roots from the cold. Mulching also limits weed growth and enriches the soil as it decomposes.

In early spring, applying a suitable fertiliser helps shrubs kick-start their growth. Use a fertiliser specifically designed for shrubs or evergreen plants, avoiding late fertilisation that could weaken the plant against frost.

Keep an eye on your shrubs to spot any potential pests (aphids, scale insects) or diseases (fungi). If needed, opt for natural treatments, such as black soap or plant decoctions, to preserve the ecological balance of your garden.

In winter, the garden is dormant. Only evergreen shrubs provide us with a comforting touch of greenery. As they remain in growth, they can suffer from winter frosts. Take advantage of this lull in the garden to care for them. In winter, rainfall becomes scarce, and in some regions, autumn rains have been rare. Evergreen shrubs are still growing, so they need water. The sunny days of February cause significant evaporation and dry out the leaves. If your soil is very dry, consider watering them during milder periods.

Severe frosts can scorch the branches. The leaves turn grey and dry out. (Aucubas are often affected). The weight of snow can also break branches, for example, those of Mexican orange blossoms. If snow persists, remember to shake the branches regularly to lighten them.