May 13, 2025, 9:18 am | Read time: 4 minutes
In May, gardeners have plenty to do. Among other tasks, they can now prune the following five shrubs. myHOMEBOOK shares tips on what to watch for to ensure they grow strong.
May is a special month for gardeners, often called the “month of delight.” Many flower beds and shrubs are in bloom, offering a chance to enjoy the blossoms in pleasant temperatures and sunshine. However, it’s important not to forget the garden tasks that need attention now, such as pruning shrubs. myHOMEBOOK lists five shrubs to prune in May.
Important: From March to September, there is a legal protection period in the garden in Germany—nothing can be cut back drastically. However, gentle shaping and maintenance cuts are allowed.
1. Boxwood
Boxwoods appear in various forms in the garden: as hedges, as border plants, or in artfully trimmed shapes. To ensure optimal growth, boxwoods should be pruned twice a year—there are two phases: fine pruning and coarse pruning.
May is the time for fine pruning, which continues into September. The focus is on maintaining the boxwood’s shape, with fresh shoots cut back by about two-thirds.
2. Weigela
When most early bloomers have faded, the Weigela shines in its full glory. With pretty, mostly pink to magenta flowers, it serves as a gap filler until the roses bloom. To ensure the Weigela displays its full bloom year after year, it must be pruned—the best time for this is May.
Once the Weigela has finished blooming, it should be pruned. However, the shrub only needs thinning every two to three years, with the oldest branches cut as close to the ground as possible.
3. Lilac
May is the month when the air is filled with the delightful scent of lilac, showcasing its beauty. But May is also the time to reach for the garden shears. Once the lilac has finished blooming, it needs to be pruned. Depending on when the bloom started, this timing can vary.
When the time comes, pruning can begin. Wilted flower clusters can be removed directly, but care should be taken not to damage the young shoots beneath the flowers, as they already carry the buds for next year. It’s also recommended to cut back some shoots more aggressively after blooming to prevent the shrub from becoming bare inside over time.
4. Plum Tree
Another shrub that can be pruned in May is the plum tree. It requires pruning in every season—May is the time for training cuts. These are especially needed for young plums to shape their crown and allow enough light into the crown’s interior for the fruit to receive adequate sunlight.
Unnecessary shoots inside the crown are cut back to about four inches. Additionally, upward-growing shoots must be removed.
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5. Rosemary
Rosemary is a flavorful kitchen herb often grown in small pots. But it also thrives when planted directly in the garden. Besides its typical scent, rosemary is appealing with its attractive flowers. Once they have faded, it’s the best time for pruning, usually in May or June. If you skip this more vigorous pruning, the plant will gradually become woody.