What is interesting is that this one time earlier bloomer is in part shade while the others are in full sun (and so should bloom sooner).

That is interesting! Mine are covered in snow, but I will try pruning a couple earlier than usual this year if it means early blooms!

mazerolm, I am not sure how many paniculatas you have but maybe just do one as the early prune experiment (I dont want to be the cause of any bad thing happening which might stick out like a sore thumb if "something" goes awry ;)).

@rouge: I have about 15, yes, I will definitely try it with 1-2 the first year! :)

Oh I was just thinking about this, I normally prune around Mid March but this wanted to see the difference on my limelights if I prune now, we had temperatures in the -20s in Indiana last week, I wonder if anybody else have any tips or experiences!

I have been meaning to get out and prune our BOBOS but (for too long) too many branches are completely buried in the snow.

Wow! You may have to end up putting that off until much later,... when the snow melts.

On the opposite side of the temperature scale, my weeds are "growing very well, thank you". Hee, hee, hee! ;o((

So much growth that I had to mow the dry grass to cut down all the pesky weeds. Dandelions were 6" tall in a few spots. Temps were in the low 40s so it was rather brisk outside but necessary. No snow this year so far. The rains have had an impeccable timing, showing up during the warm hours on cold days or on above freezing days. Knock on wood.

You may have to end up putting that off until much later,... when the snow melts.

This singleton has most of its branches visible and so will get snipped today

(The other 6 are still too much snowed under to be able to prune them in their entirety.)