What happens if we prune in winter?

• A. Growth accelerates
• B. No effect
• C. The growth flush will be delayed until the weather is warm enough for growth.
• D. Plants flower immediately

Answer: (C)

Winter pruning relies on the plant’s dormancy. In cold weather many perennials and shrubs aren’t actively growing, and their buds stay dormant until warmth returns. Pruning removes some wood and potential growth sites, but it doesn’t trigger new growth out of dormancy. The plant must wait for warmer temperatures to break bud dormancy and begin active growth, so the new growth flush is delayed until conditions are warm enough for growth to resume. In short, you’ll see new shoots come in with spring warmth rather than immediately after pruning in winter.