Pruning:

• Remove suckers from around the base of the shrub.
• Maintenance pruning: cut back just above the nodes so the plant can produce new shoots. Pinch off side shoots to help maintain shape. Maintenance pruning as well as removing suckers can be done any time except late summer and fall.
• Thinning out:  Pruning to thin out should be done from February up to just before flowering begins. Cut off damaged or crowded branches. Trim back a third of its size each year.
• Hard pruning: heavy pruning is best when done in March or early April so new shoots have time to grow. For older shrubs cut the shrub down to the ground leaving stronger stems in place. Cut off thin stems.