Question
Hi,

I have at various spots in my yard, an endless summer hydrangea, a rose of sharon, a butterfly bush and some very very tall rhododendron.  The hydrangea is gorgeous but lots of the branches seem to grow on the ground, the butterfly bush is very spindly, the rose of sharon is not bushy.  I am told I must cut back and prune these plants.  When is the best time to do so and how far back do I cut.  

Also, I have it in mind to replace my rhodies with hybrid short (3'4') rose bushes.  Can I just cut them down and leave the roots, or do I need to remove all growth before planting the roses.  Should I wait until they finish blooming and start the roses in pots, or just bite the bullet and go for it.


Answer
most pruning is done after flowering. depending on the type of shrub and the effect you are looking for shaping can be done at anytime. butterfly bush can be cut to the ground after flowering is finished for the season. rose of sharron should be thinned by useing the one in three method removing the oldest wood first. it also can be cut to the ground to rejuvinate it.
your rhodrendron must be dug out and completely removed before anything else can be planted.  Good Luck