Q.How to prune loropetalum, cleyera and holly shrubs properly
We have trimmed our cleyera, loropetalum, and holly shrubs so they look boxy. I’d like to trim them so they are more naturally shaped. Any tips.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Generally, for a natural look, little pruning is needed. Remove damaged or dead wood at the base. Then, instead of shearing off the top and sides, use your pruners to selectively remove tips (down to a node or intersection) to open up the shrub to let more light in and to reduce height if needed. Here are links to several articles that may help you with these three plants.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum/pruning-overgrown-loropetalum.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/cleyera/japanese-cleyera-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm
