How to Prune a Bluebeard Caryopteris
- 1). Prevent the spread of disease by dipping the blades of sharp of pruning shears into a container filled with nine parts water and one part chlorine bleach. Rinse the blades thoroughly before pruning the shrub.
- 2). Prune the branches of bluebeard caryopteris back to within 1 to 3 inches of the soil during very early spring if the foliage was heavily damaged by harsh winter weather.
- 3). Cut the oldest branches, which appear woodier than other growth, back to soil level in spring, even if extensive winter damage isn't present.
- 4). Trim away damaged and unattractive branches anytime during the season. Cut branches and stems back to within 1 or 2 inches of the trunk or larger branch from which they extend.
- 5). Snip off bloom clusters as they fade to encourage continued flowering.