Pruning is one of the most important gardening jobs to carry out in February as many plants are dormant at this time.
Winter pruning aims to get plants off to the best start and encourage vigour so that fruit trees are productive and shrubs don’t outgrow their space.
Leaves will have fallen in winter so it’s easy to see a plant’s framework.
Not all plants are suitable for winter pruning. Some plants should be pruned in pruned in spring, while others are best until summer or autumn.
Roses and hydrangeas are just two plants that gardening expert and founder of Yardwork Michael Clarke recommends pruning now, but two other plants need your attention.
Roses
Cut back bush and climbing roses hard in late winter to promote healthy growth, flowering shoots and plenty of blooms in the summer
Michael said: “Bush roses should be cut back to around one-third of their height, to remove any old or dead wood.”
When pruning, this should be done to an outward-facing bud for a “nice open shape”.
For climbing roses, you’ll want to cut back the laterals and remove any tangled or damaged stems.
Hydrangeas
While many gardeners recommend holding off from pruning hydrangeas until spring, the expert advised doing so now to prepare the plant for the next season.
He said: “Hydrangeas should be pruned back to one or two buds above the ground to promote strong, healthy stems for the coming spring season. Cut away any dead, damaged, or congested growth.”
Buddleja
Buddleja, also known as butterfly bush, should be cut back hard to “encourage fresh growth”.
Remove the old, woody stems, cutting back to the new, healthy shoots, or around 15 to 30cm from the base.
Spiraea
Spiraea are quick-growing deciduous shrubs grown mainly for their attractive flowers in spring or summer.
These should be cut back to a few inches above the ground, especially varieties like Spiraea japonica, which bloom on new wood.