As the dark nights set in and the colder weather gathers, you might be starting to think about cutting back or pruning many of those once colourful flowers.
Pruning is beneficial for many garden plants, but it’s important to do it at the right time and in the right way. Winter is a great time for pruning because most plants are dormant, which can also help control or prevent the spread of disease.
Why prune in winter?
Winter pruning encourages strong growth in fruit trees and keeps shrubs from outgrowing their space. It helps shrubs stay healthy and vibrant, ensuring they produce as many flowers as possible while maintaining their natural form. Proper pruning also ensures that plants don't block paths, windows, or obstruct views.
Not all plants are suitable for winter pruning though, some plants should be pruned in the spring, while others are better pruned in summer or autumn, here are some general guidelines for pruning shrubs by season:
- Shrubs that flower from October to February: Prune in spring
- Shrubs that flower from March to July: Prune right after flowering
- Shrubs that flower from July to September: Prune back to old wood in January or February
- Evergreens: Prune as needed
Pruning basics
If you’re new to gardening here are some basics you should know:
- Cutting back hard encourages strong growth
- Lighter pruning results in less vigorous growth
- Always cut to an outward-facing bud to avoid compact growth
- Remove any stems that are too close together or might rub against each other
- Get rid of stubby dead stems (called ‘snags’) and thin, twiggy stems that are unlikely to produce strong growth or flowers
Roses
If you have roses, winter is an ideal time to prune as once their leaves has fallen it’s easy to see the structure of your roses. Many rose types, including floribundas, hybrid teas, shrub roses, and climbing roses, can be pruned in winter. Here are some tips on making sure you get the best out of your rose bush:
- Remove thin, weak stems the most and cut back the thick, vigorous stems the least
- Depending on the size of the plant and your preference, leave your rose plant between 15 cm and 45 cm tall
- Winter pruning is crucial for the health and appearance of roses, except for rambling roses, which should be pruned after flowering in summer
- Cut back bush and climbing roses hard in late winter to encourage healthy growth and plenty of summer blooms
