Pruning smoke bush

Question

I’ve seen plenty of advice on this , but all of it says that if I prune the smoke bush it won’t flower next season. I’m wondering if there’s a time I can tip prune my recently planted 2 young smoke bushes to maintain a bushy shape and still get growth that will flower next season. I’m in Sydney Australia. Frost is not an issue but extreme heat in summer is. It is currently summer but no inflorescence is visible yet. There is new growth appearing which might be the inflorescence coming. Picture attached. Maybe I should prune lightly in winter and sacrifice next summer’ss flowers to establish a bushy habit?

• 
• 

Answer 1

This article provides the answers you are seeking: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-smoke-bush-42068.html