Photo: Dalgial, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Shrub
Flowering almond: when and how to prune
Prunus triloba
Flowering almond is best pruned in April–May.
| Pruning months | April–May |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in April–May |
| Flowering | April |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Flowering almond: when to prune it?
Straight after flowering, late April–May. That gives it time to make new flowering shoots.
Flowering almond: how to prune it?
- Cut the flowered shoots back hard, to about 2–3 buds above the old branch.
- Remove dead, diseased and crossing branches completely.
- Keep the shape compact; on a standard, keep the head round and even.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April–May.
- Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in April–May can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Flowering almond flowers in April, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Do not prune in winter or before flowering: you would cut off the flower buds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Flowering almond · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.