How to Prune Winterfat

Overview

Winterfat, or Ceratoides lanata, is an evergreen shrub with silvery leaves that grows to a height of about 2 feet and a circumference of about 3 feet. It grows on woody stems and develops a decorative, woolly seed head in late fall to early winter which appears to glow in the sunlight. Its name comes from the fact that the seed heads develop just as other forage materials are disappearing, making it desirable to grazing herds for their winter diet. The best time to prune it to maintain its full bushy shape is in early spring before new growth begins to appear.

Pruning

Step 1

Place cushion or knee pads on ground before kneeling to protect knees from prolonged stress, if desired. Work from the outer edge of the plant toward the center. Cut each branch with the hand clippers as close to the ground as possible.

Step 2

Move the knee pad or cushion as you work around the shrub. Work around the plant, cutting each branch with the hand clippers just above the ground. Continue to move toward the center until all the branches have been cut back to just above ground level.

Step 3

Remove debris and the cut branches from around the base of the bush and surrounding area. Load branches into basket or yard waste bag for use in compost or disposal.