So I can’t grow the macrophyllas, so I bought an Annabelle and a Limelight last year.

It’s my understanding Limelight and Annabelle will both bloom on new wood. The Annabelle is coming back mainly from the roots and maybe the very lowest buds on year’s canes. k. That’s fine. Should still get blooms, right?

The Limelight survived completely all the way to the tips. The confusion for me is this - Everything I’ve read says to “prune them back in the late winter or early spring”. What does this mean? Why? Will these not bloom on old wood whatsoever? I can’t find anything regarding old wood for the limelight. Why would I prune them back if they are not dead? Please advise on the limelight