Kolkwitzia amabilis, commonly called Beauty Bush, is a bush native to Asia with deciduous foliage, popular for its spectacular spring flowering. In May and June its arching branches are covered with a profusion of white or pink bells, hence its other nicknames "Silverbell Tree" and "Silverfeather Tree". Kolkwitzia is a medium-sized bush, reaching 2 to 3 metres in height. It has rapid growth and can live for several decades. It is very hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C. Very easy to grow, it adapts to all soils, even poor and dry ones, and prefers full sun or partial shade. Pruning Kolkwitzia is not obligatory, but helps maintain attractive habit of bush, regulate its growth and stimulate following year's flowering. Discover when and how to prune Kolkwitzia easily with our illustrated tutorial!

Pruning Kolkwitzia, pruning Kolkwitzia beauty bush
Kolkwitzia, or Beauty Bush: spectacular in full spring flowering

When to prune Kolkwitzia?

Ideal time to prune Kolkwitzia is late summer or early autumn, just after its flowering period. This pruning helps balance the silhouette and clear the branches at the centre to prevent the bush becoming too dense.  

How to prune Kolkwitzia?

Pruning involves removing dead, diseased or poorly placed branches. You can also shorten the longest branches to limit height of the bush.  

  • Use well-sharpened, disinfected pruning shear or lopper to avoid spreading diseases
  • Cut branches 2 or 3 cm above a healthy bud facing outwards. This encourages growth outwards, improving air circulation
  • Do not prune too short, as the bush may not flower: flowers are borne only on wood of the previous year
  • Start by identifying dead, diseased or crossing branches. Remove dead wood to promote good circulation of air and light inside the bush
  • Pinch out all young shoots to induce branching and encourage future flowering 
  • Formative pruning : If the bush is young, carry out formative pruning to help establish its shape. Remove about one third of total length of main branches to stimulate dense growth.
  • Maintenance pruning : For an older bush, carry out maintenance pruning by thinning the centre of the bush. This reduces branch density and improves penetration of light and air.
Pruning Kolkwitzia, pruning Kolkwitzia beauty bush

Equipment needed

Our tip: always use well-sharpened pruning tools to make clean cuts, and disinfect with methylated spirits to avoid spreading diseases between plants.

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