When should you prune nandinas?

Prune nandinas early in the spring, before warm weather triggers new growth in the plants. Pruning nandinas before the growing season starts helps keep the plants healthy.

Use hand-held pruners rather than hedge trimmers to prune nandinas.

1. Cut at the desired height

Cut off approximately the top third of each stem, just above a cluster of leaves. If the nandina has grown very tall and lanky, it can take 3 years of annual pruning to get it to fill in.

2. Remove dead branches

Cut dead and weak branches out of the plant at the base of each branch to allow for new growth.

3. Take cuttings

Any time of year, it's safe to trim a cutting or two from the plant to use in flower arrangements.