When should I prune these shrubs?

Hi

I'd appreciate some advice on when I should prune the following:

Cotoneaster - it's just finished flowering
Berberis
Weigela - it's just finished flowering

Thanks, Nick

 

Why do you want to prune? I used to prune my weigela every second year after flowering because we had a small garden and pruning stopped it from taking over. Cotoneaster I prune in March to keep in shape, not sure about berberis though.

 

i would not pron anything till about october november some things is feb march so be careful :thumb:

 

I thought the general rule was that you should prune after flowering?

 

It depends on wether they flower on old or new wood. Hebes flower on old wood so if you prune them after flowering you lose next years flowers. Weigelas flower on new wood so really you can prune them when necessary. I have one that got badly frosted and nearly died which I pruned in April, which I wouldn't do normally, and so took out most of the new wood, it only had about 5 flowers this year but it should be better next year. If something flowers towards September then wait until march because it will not have time to grow new wood before winter sets in. I probably do it all wrong and some one else will know the right way, but my way works for me (if I get it right!)

 

Weigela should definitely be pruned early after flowering taking ou those shoots which have flowered if not done you will note a fall back in the flowering. Not sure about Cotoneaster but again would assume immediately after it has flowered.

 

90% of the time it's straight after flowering. Not sure about Wegalia though:confused: There was a thread about pruning them that suggested it wasn't that straightforward. Maybe you could use the Search facility.
Also, you have to be a lttle careful with Firethorn (Pyracantha) if you prune them after flowering you lose all the berries that are a welcome bit of colour in the Winter.