When should I prune my hedge? Practical tips for the best pruning time

Trimming a hedge made easy: All it takes is the right timing, the proper technique, and a passion for the task

If you desire a dense, evenly grown privacy screen, regular pruning measures are essential. Frequently, the same questions arise. When and, above all, when is hedge trimming possible? Are there any special dates? How do you actually shape a hedge properly? However, confusion is no reason to despair, especially not if you're the owner of a Photinia Devil’s Dream®. Just as low-maintenance as this colorful shrub is, it is equally simple to shape it. With the following information and tips, you'll succeed effortlessly.

Hedge trimming = a fiery red sea of leaves

First and foremost, do not neglect the annual pruning of your Japanese photinia, as it is about much more than just maintaining its shape. Why? It is the new, young leaves that impress with their characteristic red color. Therefore, every trim promotes the flaming red growth and supports the impressive display of color in the following year. This turns what may be considered an undesirable task for other hedge plants into pure anticipation with Devil’s Dream®.

Trimming hedges: When is it allowed?

At first glance, the foliage is eye-catching. The new shoots in spring radiate in a fiery red, accentuated by the shiny green of the remaining foliage. Until autumn, the Japanese Photinia Devil's Dream® impresses with this color display. Afterwards, the new leaves gradually blend into the green of the rest of the foliage - and this is permanent, as the Japanese Photinia is evergreen and winter-hardy. It adds a splash of color to the outdoor space even in the gray season. Furthermore, the plant is low-maintenance and resistant to many diseases and pests. It also tolerates pruning well. This makes Photinia Devil's Dream® the right choice if you want to buy a Japanese Photinia to use as a hedge or as a shaped specimen, for example.

Electric hedge trimmer cuts the Devils Dream

The right technique for every goal

Now you know when the best time to trim the hedge is and you can get started. But wait: before you grab the garden shears, you should think about what exactly you want to achieve. If your Photinia, for example, is still quite young and needs to gain a significant amount of height and width, it requires well-planned training cuts. Help your hedge grow nice and dense by pruning the current shoots on the sides and top by 10 to 15 centimeters each. You can do this several times a year as needed. In this way, your Photinia will become a reliable wind and privacy screen over time.

If your Devil's Dream® hedge has already reached the optimal size, the goal is to maintain it and ensure a fiery red spectacle in spring. To do this, trim all branches that exceed the desired height and shape of your hedge once or twice a year. If you want to make sure that the trimming goes straight and neat, you can use strings or ropes to create a guiding line.

Man snoeit een heg

Until when it is advisable to prune hedges

As you can see, it is not difficult to shape your Devil's Dream® hedge and you will notice that it can be really fun to "educate" the plant into an impressive garden artwork. Feel free to use the scissors multiple times a year. This type of gardening has a somewhat meditative quality for some and your Devil's Dream® will also benefit from the attention. However, at the end of August, you should put the tools away. Your Photinia now needs a pruning rest so that the new shoots can mature and become strong enough for the cold season.

Close-up of a hedge