Prune Berberis thunbergii in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins to grow. However, prune diseased or damaged branches any time of the year. Use a pair of pruning shears or hand garden clippers. Prune to shape or thin and to cut off the oldest and tallest branches.

How do you prune overgrown berberis?

If you're renovating a really overgrown or neglected berberis, cut the entire shrub down in spring to within 30cm (12in) of ground level so it can regenerate from the base. It will put on lots of good leaf but you'll lose the flowers and berries in the coming year, as these only grow on older wood.

When can I cut back berberis?

Berberis thunbergii and all other deciduous Berberis need pruning right after they have finished flowering - late spring or early summer. Together with this, if you prune these Berberis too early (before flowering in spring) you will prune out all of the flower buds for the current year.