February 2024
Winter Pruning
When the branches are bare and various trees and shrubs reveal their basic framework, there’s a lot to be gained by a little shape and trim.
We’ll look at some of the most popular garden plants that can be pruned during winter and any specific tips
Roses
Most types of rose can be pruned in winter. The exception is rambling roses which should be pruned during the summer.
Thin spindly growth and short stubby stems showing dead wood should be removed.
Bush roses (which include floribundas and hybrid teas) can be cut back hard every year - they produce many flowers on new growth.
Modern shrub & English roses need an established framework of branching stems to flower well in summer. Very hard pruning of these will result in lots of leafy growth and not so many flowers.
Gooseberries and Currants
Prune all main branches by a quarter to half, to an upward facing bud.
Then prune all side shoots to 2 buds.
Try to keep the centre of the plant fairly open to aid airflow and prevent diseases. To help with this you can prune any inwards facing side shoots to only 1 bud if necessary.
Trim off any branches that may be starting to grow from the bottom of the main stem.
The best of the rest …
It’s recommended to prune wisterias twice a year to control their often vigorous growth & improve flowering. During winter, then again in July or August. Prune back all side shoots to 2 or 3 buds (the same shoots that you may have pruned during summer).
Cut down all stems of summer/autumn flowering clematis to about 10-30cm above ground level (depending on the original size of the plant). This means that you are more likely to enjoy the flowers at close quarters, rather than them being way above your head or lost in a tree somewhere!
Grapevines should be pruned when deeply dormant so that they don’t ooze sap or ‘bleed’.
Autumn Fruiting Raspberries should have all canes cut down to within 5cm of the ground.
See our January blog for tips on pruning Apples & Pears.
Any deadwood should be removed from Acers whilst they’re bare and shaped if required.
Plants which are famed for their colourful winter stems such as Dogwoods or Salix should be cut back to a basic ‘stool’ framework during late winter.
Buddlejas, Hardy Fuchsias, Hibiscus, Hydrangea Paniculata & Spirea Japonica can all be pruned at this time of year too.