To prune or not ot prune

Hi
I am confused - there is a regular gardening column written by a local garden designer in a free magazine called the Whitstable IMP. He advises no to prune spring-flowering plants until AFTER they flower - is this the case, will I not be harming the plant pruning when the sap is flowing?
Thanks for your help

 

often plants flower/fruit on last years growth. If you prune last years growth then no flowers / fruit. eg blackcurrants. There is a word for them, but dont ask me what it is !!! helpful eh ?.

 

It`s standard pruning advice with all shrubs regardless of when they flower to do so after flowering. And no you won`t be harming the plant at all. Prune after flowering.

 

Hi Billywhizz and welcome.

If you prune spring flowering shrubs before they flower you will cut all of the flowering buds off. It will not harm the plant but it will not flower until the following year - unless you prune it again of course.
By pruning after flowering, you give the shrub the rest of the growing season to put on fresh growth ready for next season's display. You will not harm the shrub by pruning when the sap is flowing.

 

Thanks for your help guys - I have decided to spring (no pun intended) into action and do nothing!
If you are interested in reading the article it can be found at http://www.the-imp.co.uk/community_info.html
Thanks again
Billy