Prune late summer or autumn flowering shrubs (optional)

For late summer or autumn-flowering shrubs that produce flowers at the end of the current season's growth, such as Buddleja davidii (and its cultivars), Caryopteris and Fuchsia magellanica, you can prune in spring before growth commences, but make certain it is after the risk of severe frost has passed.

Try to keep a natural looking framework or 'scaffold' of main stems, with longer stems in the middle, and shorter stems to the side. If you prune to a flat-topped or square shape this can look unnatural.

Cut back the previous year's stems to within one or two buds of the older framework and remove any thin, weak or dead growth. Make sure that there is not too much growth congested in the middle of the shrub, and that the framework gives a good, open structure for further healthy growth.

Small shrubs such as Fuchsia may need cutting back to nearer ground level. This stimulates the development of strong new growth on which flowers will be produced in late summer. 

With older shrubs, especially Buddleja, which have large, thick branches, a good pruning saw or loppers will be more than likely required.

Why prune

How to prune