Learner Gardener How to prune unidentified

~Jenna~

Hello I am new to this and wondering if anyone can help me. Is there a general rule when pruning if you don't know what the plant is?
I am total novice but want to learn and I have some plants which are quite small (maybe 30-40cm tall) but they are all twiggy where they lost their leaves over winter and I don't know whether to cut them back or not.
Thanks in advance

Obelixx

The general rule is to prune shrubs after flowering finishes if it flowers between March and June as these will flower on wood produced in the previous growing season.  If they flower from July onwards it's usually safe to assume they're flowering on that new season's growth.

If they're not shrubs, but perennials, it's a whole different rule book.

fidgetbones

General rule for shrubs is to prune after flowering. Unless they are a complete mess, I would leave them until they come into leaf and/or flower and get an identification.

~Jenna~

Ok Thank you, I think I need to do some research as I have no idea what they are

Liriodendron

I think I'd leave them until you know what they are - much easier to identify them when they have leaves in the Spring.  And just because they're twiggy doesn't mean they necessarily need a prune.  That might just be the way they grow...  if you don't recognise them when they're in leaf, post photos on here and we'll help identify them - and give better advice about pruning.    

Posy

Some perennials leave twiggy growth over winter. If you wait just a few weeks more you will be able to identify them and then act appropriately.

Hostafan1

if you could supply a photo , it might help.

~Jenna~

Thanks for all your help. I will post a picture once they start to grow 

Hostafan1

if you can post one now, someone might well recognise it. Worth a try.

Allotment Boy

The other general rule is do the 3 D's. this means remove anything that is Dead, diseased or damaged. Even if this is all you do the plant will look better for it. Usually dead branches (or ends of branches) are a different paler colour the other way to tell is gently scrape some bark if it is brown underneath it is dead, if green leave it alone. 

Stephanie newish gardener

If you have a few shrubs I would heartily recommend treating yourself to a book called RHS Pruning Plant by Plant https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B8GMCYQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 
It's paperback and has a fairly robust wipeable cover and is quite small so easy to take outside.  I use mine all the time; it has very helpful diagrams on each plant and lots of useful tips. I'd say £7.50 well spent!