Pruning Camilla shrubs? - Ask Extension
I have a Camilla shrub that grows near a metal cellar door. I do not want to over prune as it provides a little welcome
cover of this utilitarian fea...
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Pruning Camilla shrubs? #921758
Asked November 10, 2025, 5:43 PM EST
I have a Camilla shrub that grows near a metal cellar door. I do not want to over prune as it provides a little welcome
cover of this utilitarian feature. It is about 9 foot tall and I would like to lower it to about 6 or 7 feet. I realize while I
do cut back a rhododendron, a rose bush and blueberries, I do not know the proper technique for pruning a Camilla.
I need some simple guidance. It is November so not freezing yet.. Do I need to wait until we get to colder temperatures?.
It has nicely shaped buds for next years flowers, but I sense I will have to sacrifice a few of those. Any suggestions would
be appreciated.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Pruning advice for Camellias, as with other flowering shrubs, is to do it immediately after flowering. You won’t kill it if you cut it back now to access the cellar, but it takes longer to recover foliage and look nice again. As you suspect, the flowers for the year are gone too.
This article covers regular pruning to keep the shrubs producing big flowers. It also offers steps to take when reviving an old shrub. I think my additional advice is to prune it shorter than you want it so you’re not in an annual height-reduction game. They grow fast though, and once you’re comfortable pruning, you can easily keep it looking good at almost any size you like. Fertilizer isn’t always required, either.
This article covers regular pruning to keep the shrubs producing big flowers. It also offers steps to take when reviving an old shrub. I think my additional advice is to prune it shorter than you want it so you’re not in an annual height-reduction game. They grow fast though, and once you’re comfortable pruning, you can easily keep it looking good at almost any size you like. Fertilizer isn’t always required, either.
Jacki, I may let it flower next spring and then approach it as you have described
They are pretty early bloomers. Thanks so much. Pam H.
