Pruning is an important job throughout the year, helping to keep plants, flowers and trees nice and healthy.
However, it can be hard to know what to prune each month, so the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), have shared just a few plants to get pruning on.
1. Hydrangea
Many summer-flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned between February and March, usually those that flower on the current year’s growth, including the hydrangea paniculata.
The RHS said: “Although the only essential work is to remove dead wood in spring, these species will provide prolific flowering when pruned back annually to a framework of branches.
“Each spring, cut back last year’s stems to a pair of healthy buds to maintain a permanent framework.
“To produce larger flower panicles on strong, upright branches, hard prune to the lowest pair of healthy buds, creating a low framework of branches.
“This usually results in a pruned framework of no more than 25cm high but, if more height is required, cut to about 60cm tall.”
2. Buddleja davidii
This shrub is very large and fast-growing, known for its fragrant flowers in gorgeous shades of purple, making them a favourite in many gardens.
Pruning between February and March is ideal for this plant as it allows time for the new growth to mature and flower within the same year.
The RHS said gardeners should avoid pruning this plant in winter, as it could lead to frost damage of new shoots so make sure to check when the last frost is in your area.
The experts added: “In early to mid-spring cut back on the previous year’s flowering stems to within one or two buds of the older woody framework. Also remove any thin, weak or dead growth.”
3. Roses
Rose pruning ensures that plants grow vigorously and flower well each year, especially for climbing roses.
Climbing roses can be pruned between December and February, so it is best to get this job done early on in the month.
The RHS said: “First remove dead, diseased or dying branches. Then tie in any new shoots needed to fill supports.
“Prune any flowered side shoots back by two-thirds of their length. If the plant is heavily congested, cut out any really old branches from the base to promote new growth.”
