How do I prune Red Sprite Winterberries?
I have 5 Red Sprite Winterberries that are 20 years old and 8' tall. I have pruned the tips every couple of years and there are now very few leaves in the center (although in the winter their structure is quite lovely and they berry well on the ends). They are getting too big for their existing spot. Can I prune them hard - say to a 1/2-3/4 diameter branch - in early March and still get them to flower and berry?
Answer
You may prune the Winterberries in the late winter; cut 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground.