heppiechik wrote:

When is the best time to prune them? I am in zone 8a.
Thanks


I'm in zone 8b. Here the city has them planted along many streets.
They prune in the very early spring, while it is still fairly cold,
before their new shoots appear. I'm not sure exactly when, possibly
around the first of March. If you are going cut them back severely that
might be a good time. They bloom on new wood, new shoots or at the end
of the branches. After bloom, I prune moderately anytime with good results.