# Vanhoutte Spirea Pruning Requirements
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Basic Pruning
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The Vanhoutte spirea has a naturally graceful, arching form, and rarely needs more than light pruning. Severe pruning can diminish the charm of this rounded shrub. Prune Vanhoutte spirea to remove the spent blossoms in early summer. This task is tedious, but encourages vigorous growth and more blooms the following year. Remove any branches that are dead or diseased, along with branches that rub against each other. Vanhoutte spireas can grow 10 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety. You can prune to control size, but it's best to plant this shrub in a place where it can grow freely.
Timing
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For general pruning tasks, it's best to prune Vanhoutte spirea after it blooms in early summer. The shrub begins producing buds for next year's blooms from midsummer to fall, so if you prune later, you'll remove the flowers for the coming season. Pruning in spring while the plant is dormant will also remove flowers. You should remove broken or diseased branches immediately, regardless of the time of year.
Method
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The method you select for pruning your Vanhoutte spirea depends on the plant's age, as well as your goals in pruning. To control the shrub's size, simply trim back the branches to a uniform size. To renovate old shrubs, start by cutting back one-third of the old wood to the ground. This strategy lets in light and allows you to see the shrub's form more clearly. If the plant has been neglected for a long time, cut the entire shrub back to 12 inches above the ground. The spirea will grow back vigorously and begin blooming within two summers. In any event, always make cuts back to an outward -acing bud to promote new growth.
Tools
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Having the right pruning tools on hand not only makes the job easier, but it ensures clean pruning cuts that heal quickly. For light annual pruning, a pair of hand pruning shears is probably adequate. For taking out older branches to the ground, though, you'll likely need loppers or even a pruning saw.
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