Prune in late winter or early spring after the last frost
Use clean, sharp pruning shears
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first
Cut back weak or crossing stems
Trim about one-third of the plant for shaping
Make cuts just above a leaf node or outward-facing bud
Remove suckers growing from the base
Thin crowded growth to improve air circulation
Pinch back new growth during the growing season to encourage bushiness
Avoid heavy pruning during flowering
Dispose of all pruned material properly