Pruning is a critical maintenance task when taking care of your plants and flowers.
“Pruning helps to increase the health of a plant, make it look more pleasing to the eye and decrease the potential risk of rotting, dead, or weak branches,” according to House Digest, however, it also can “leave some plant species more vulnerable to pests or disease, or decrease the bloom in the following seasons.”
It continues to explain that the general rule of thumb is that “flowers that bloom in the spring, trees that heavily bleed sap and plants that don’t handle cold temperatures all that well are best left alone during the coldest months of the year” with some exceptions.
While some plants and flowers, including most roses and wisteria, need pruning this time of year, others will be at risk of damage and even death if pruned now. Here is a list of 11 plants to be pruned to some degree now.
READ MORE: Every plant you need to prune now for a perfect garden this year
1. Jasmine
This fragrant flower should be pruned after its done blooming, which is typically in early fall. If you prune your summer-blooming jasmine in the winter, the flower’s buds will be cut off, which will effectively stop the bloom before it starts.
However, there are also winter-blooming jasmine that should be pruned after blooming in late winter or early spring.
2. Lavender
Lavender plants can survive for years when properly maintained, however, the Mediterranean flower does not thrive in chilly winter conditions. Therefore, it should not be pruned during cold weather and frost because doing so while encourage growth that would be vulnerable during unsuitable weather conditions. It is best to leave it alone.
3. Azaleas
Azaleas, as well as their counsins, rhododendrons, are shrubs that, similar to summer-blooming jasmine, need to be pruned after the blooms fade or else you may risk cutting off the buds for the next year. Rather, they should be pruned in summer.
4. Maple trees
Due its is sweet sap, this tree commonly attracts pests, which is why it is essential to prune it during the summer to avoid mishaps during its “bleeding” season in the winter. During the cold weather months, it should be left alone.
Dripping sap can result in unpleasant stains on the bark and cutting back branches not only looks silly but can also make it vulnerable to pests and disease.
5. Sweet cherry trees
Most fruit trees should be pruned, with branches trimmed, during the winter while dormant. However, sweet cherry trees, are an exception that require a different approach.
Being more prone to disease, they only require a light pruning in the summer when they are less susceptible to such issues.
6. Magnolias
Magnolias usually bloom in early spring or summer, therefore pruning too late in the winter can result in cutting off buds too soon. Instead, experts recommend trimming magnolia trees after they bloom, around late spring into summer, to give them time to fill out before next year.
6. Rosemary
This fragrant herb that is beneficial to have around for culinary purposes also boasts pest-repellant properties. Gardeners say it is easy to maintain and harvest while only requiring occasional pruning to ensure its healthy and presentable. Unlike lavendar, it doesn’t mind the cold, so it is best to prune late spring after flowering, so any new growth doesn’t sprout while vulnerable.
7. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckles are known for “sweet fragrance and vibrant, uniquely shaped flowers.” Both climbing vine and contained bush varieties should not be pruned in winter because you risk removing the bufs that would have bloomed in the following season.
If your honeysuckles bloom in the spring or early summer, you can trim them after they flower. However, if they flower later in the summer, it is best to trim them in the spring.
8. Lilacs
Known for its “vibrant color and sweet fragrance” these spring-blooming plants should not be pruned in winter because you risk chopping off the developing buds. Instead, they should be pruned after they finish flowering.
9. Clematis
It is particularly critical to prune this plant correctly because if not it’ll not only look tangled and unkempt but will also boast fewer flowers than if it were properly maintained.
The decision to prune is based entirely on when it blooms. If they bloom in the spring, they should be cut back after flowering, if necessary. However, if they bloom twice, once in early summer and again later, it should be pruned in late winter. Lastly, if they bloom in late summer, it should prune in March.
10. Birch trees
Similar to maple trees, birch trees fall into the category of heavy winter “bleeders” too, which is why they should be left alone in winter. Pruning in winter can render them vulnerable to birch borers during their egg-laying season, which can lead to major issues down the line.
It is best to prune birch trees during the warmer months of the year, usually around August or September.
11. Damask roses
Although most roses need to be pruned in winter, the summer-blooming damask rose is an exception. These flowers should be pruned directly after flowering to protect it from diseas, which it is particurly vulnerable to. Experts recommend removing any dead or damaged branches for health and aesthetic purposes when pruning.
