photo courtesy of apps.rhs.org.uk
NO!! With a few exceptions. To remember what and when to prune, ask yourself these questions first:
Will the plant have time to put out new growth before winter arrives? If you answered yes to this question then No, don’t prune.
Is there something that looks like a bud on this plant? If yes, then don’t prune, it’s probably a flower bud.
Is this new growth? If yes, then don’t prune it in early spring. The plant may have used a lot of energy making that growth and it needs the leaves and stems it just made to produce some energy before you whack it off. Early spring growth is important to plants for this reason. Unlike the rest of us, they don’t spent the winter kicking back ice cream, chips and dip, and soda (yes, you did-remember that great Super Bowl party?).
At the very least, not pruning is the better option if you’re still not sure. Watch out for overeager “tidy-ers”, I’ve lost several shrubs to my overeager tidy-ers (who shall remain nameless)!!
Plumstone 