How to Prune a Loropetalum Ruby
- 1). Wait until the blooming season ends. The flowers will wilt and fall off the plant, at which point it is safe to prune.
- 2). Use sharp pruning shears to cut back any stems that are dead or show signs of disease or insect infestation. Cut them back to the trunk.
- 3). Cut back any stems growing outside the bounds of the size you want the plant to maintain. Make cuts just above a leaf or flower bud to encourage new shrub growth.
- 4). Cut back any stems growing outside the shape you want the plant to maintain. For example, if you have a low-growing Loropetalum Ruby that you want to function mainly as a shorter ground cover shrub, cut back any new vertical stems contributing to height.
- 5). Repeat the pruning once annually, after the blooming season.