Winter may feel quiet in the landscape, but January and February are some of the most important months for plant health in the Southeast. This is the ideal window for rejuvenation (reduction) pruning, a technique that helps certain shrubs and plants reset, regrow stronger, and perform better throughout the year.
What Is Rejuvenation Pruning?
Rejuvenation pruning is a heavy, intentional reduction of a plant - often removing up to one-third (or more) of the growth - to encourage vigorous new shoots, improved structure, and better flowering. While it may look drastic at first, this method promotes long-term plant health and reduces the need for constant corrective pruning later.
Why Winter Is Ideal in the Southeast
- Plants are dormant, reducing stress and shock
- Pruning now avoids cutting off spring flowers
- Cooler temperatures lower disease and pest pressure
- Spring growth comes back stronger, fuller, and more uniform
Plants That Benefit from Rejuvenation Pruning
Not all plants respond well to heavy pruning, but many common Southern landscape favorites thrive with it:
- Crape Myrtle – Encourages strong branching and improved flowering (done correctly, not topping)
- Loropetalum – Restores shape and prevents leggy growth
- Hollies (Yaupon, Burford, Dwarf varieties) – Improves density and structure
- Ligustrum (Privet) – Controls size and promotes healthy regrowth
- Wax Myrtle – Reduces woody, overgrown form
- Gardenia – Helps maintain shape and boosts future blooms
- Abelia – Encourages compact growth and flowering
- Nandina – Best pruned selectively to refresh canes
How Often Should Rejuvenation Pruning Be Done?
Rejuvenation pruning is not an annual practice. For most plants, it should be done every 3-5 years, based on the species and location within the landscape, as well as to address declining performance.
If you have any of these plants and would like for us to take a look at reduction pruning potential, please reach out! We'll also be out and about on properties over the next few weeks. If you receive a proposal for rejuvenation pruning, please reach out to us with any questions and/or to confirm scheduling.
