Pruning your garden, when done properly, can help promote healthy growth among your plants.
During this time of the year, it is recommended to prune established bush and standard roses just as they begin their growth but prior to any leaf unfurling.
However, it is important to also take note of which plants not to prune, as it can compromise this year’s floral display.
The Royal Horticultural Society emphasised: “Delay pruning spring-flowering shrubs until after they have flowered, otherwise this year’s display will be lost.
“Do not prune slightly tender evergreen shrubs (such as Choisya, best left until April), but do tackle hardier examples (such as Prunus laurocerasus, the cherry laurel), if necessary.
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“Remove any reverted green shoots on hardy variegated evergreens, to prevent reversion taking over.”
Deciduous flowering Prunus species, including ornamental cherries, plums, and almonds, are prone to silver leaf disease if pruned before mid-summer.
They also typically do not necessitate regular pruning if initially planted with adequate space to accommodate their eventual size.
For many deciduous shrubs that bloom in summer or late summer, pruning is best done between January and March.
Examples of these include Buddleja davidii, Caryopteris clandonensis, Ceratostigma, Hydrangea paniculata, Leycesteria, Lavatera, Perovskia, hardy fuchsia, and various deciduous Ceanothus species.
Stooling is recommended for shrubs like Buddleja davidii, select Salix alba var. vitellina cultivars (such as ‘Yelverton’ pictured), Eucalyptus gunnii, and Cornus sanguinea cultivars.
Stooling is a pruning technique primarily used for shrubs and certain trees to rejuvenate them or to control their size.
The process involves cutting the plant back severely, often to just a few inches above ground level.
Stooling is typically done during the dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring.
This practice helps maintain a manageable size and enhances the stem colour for those species valued for their winter stem colour.
