Pruning aims to help dead, diseased or damaged branches to help stimulate new growth and production.
Garden plants are pruned at different times of the year and getting this right is crucial otherwise it could lead to issues.
Forsythia
Forsythia is a gorgeous garden that blooms by springtime, making it a great plant to prune during winter.
Maryam Ghani, brand manager at Haute Florist, said the best time to prune this plant is during late winter and early spring, ideally in February to March.
The expert explained: “Pruning during this period allows the forsythia to channel its energy into producing new growth and ensures a robust bloom in the coming season.
“It’s crucial to prune before the buds begin to swell as this promotes a fuller and more vigorous display of flowers.”
The pro recommended focusing on removing older, thicker stems at ground level to prune this plant correctly.
She added: “This method stimulates the growth of fresh, young branches and contributes to a fuller, healthier appearance.
“By strategically choosing which stems to prune, gardeners can encourage the rejuvenation of the forsythia for a more robust and aesthetically pleasing display.”
Fruit bushes
Fruit bushes, including blueberries and blackcurrants, as well as gooseberries and redcurrants can be pruned in winter.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommended pruning throughout February to help ensure “bountiful” results.
Free-standing apple and pear trees should also be pruned every winter to keep them producing fruit.
The RHS said: “Start by removing any dead, diseased and damaged shoots and branches, then carry out the following steps.
“Remove crossing shoots that are rubbing together. Keep the better-placed, outward-facing one, unless it is badly damaged.
“Prune out strong shoots growing towards the centre. You can leave weaker shoots unpruned. Look for any downward-growing branches low on the tree that receive little light and could cause an obstruction.
“Prune to a more upward-growing branch or back to the main trunk. Shorter the previous year’s growth on each of the main branches by a quarter to one-third, cutting just above an outward-facing bud.
“This will encourage branching and the formation of fruiting spurs.” Gardeners should leave young side-shoots unpruned, so they can develop fruit buds in the second year.
Wisteria
Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, said regular pruning of wisteria can help ensure more “prolific blooming”.
Craig noted: “In mid-winter, cut back the side shoots, shortened in the previous summer, to two or three buds from the base to enhance the plant structure and focus energy on the formation of spring flowers.
“You’ll then want to remove any unwanted or excessive growth, especially around windows and gutters to maintain the shape and control the size of the plant.”
