Ninebark pruning - Ask Extension
We had Ninebark bushes planted early last summer but did not water correctly until late summer/fall. All bushes seem to have some deadwood and a few ...
Knowledgebase
Ninebark pruning #931884
Asked May 16, 2026, 9:48 AM EDT
We had Ninebark bushes planted early last summer but did not water correctly until late summer/fall. All bushes seem to have some deadwood and a few are almost all deadwood. The ground has a slope as shown in the picture of several of the 12 bushes which may have contributed to the problem Also the soil has a lot of clay. They have flowered. Do I trim away all that seems to be deadwood now?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
In general, flowering shrubs should be pruned after flowering, but deadwood can be pruned out at any time. Now is the time to do it. Cut out all dead branches just above any remaining growth. If there is none, cut as close to the ground as possible. This may feel pretty drastic, but Ninebark is a tough plant and they may bounce back, as long as you water them! Move some of that mulch away from the base of the plant (it shouldn't touch it) and add more in the thin spots.
When you're finished pruning they'll all be different sizes and shapes, but if you prune yearly, either in early spring when they're dormant or after flowering, after a few seasons they'll start to look more uniform.
When you're finished pruning they'll all be different sizes and shapes, but if you prune yearly, either in early spring when they're dormant or after flowering, after a few seasons they'll start to look more uniform.
Thanks Linda! Glad I hadn’t finished mulching! Any advice on watering? How much, how often?
I'd water deeply once a week, about 1 gal per plant, until they're firmly established. That's this summer. Next year you'll probably only need to water half as much, or when its very dry and/or hot..
Thanks for reaching out to us!
Thanks for reaching out to us!
