Gardeners' World: Monty Don provides advice on pruning roses
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Pruning involves removing selected branches from a tree, shrub or plant to encourage new, healthy growth. Every flower and plant needs trimming at different times of the year, depending on when they flower. According to experts, gardeners with winter-flowering shrubs should follow a “general rule of thumb” when it comes to pruning them.
There are various different winter-flowering shrubs which look great in any garden including winter honeysuckle, pansies and snowdrops.
Leading hedging and plant supplier, Hedges Direct, have shared how gardeners can prune their winter-flowering shrubs.
The experts said: “If we first consider the growth cycle of winter-flowering shrubs, it helps us to understand why pruning them at the correct time is so important.
“Winter-flowering shrubs and hedges usually display attractive flowers that last right through the colder months and then to sprout new green growth as spring arrives, with flower buds beginning to form that will bloom the following winter.
“As a general rule of thumb, winter-flowering shrubs should be pruned after flowering but before they begin to bud (normally in late winter), as the spring growth that immediately follows will help wounds to heal quickly.”
Berberis Thunbergii, also known as Japanese Barberry, are popular amongst gardeners because they are slow growing and provide gorgeous different colours.
Available in pots all year round, the gardening experts said those who have this shrub need to prune it immediately before winter buds begin to form.
They said: “These flower buds begin forming in early spring in order to mature and build up a hardened layer to protect them from the harsh winter weather when they emerge.
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“Because of this process, these shrubs need to be pruned immediately after flowering before next winter’s buds begin to form.
“Waiting until summer or autumn to prune can cause the loss of the forming flower buds, resulting in no winter flowers.”
When it comes to pruning evergreen winter-flowering shrubs, the expert said the “best time” to prune is in early spring, after the worst of the weather has passed.
The chance of frost damage also needs to be decreased before pruning any shrub or plant.
The experts added: “You can leave evergreen shrubs un-pruned if you wish, or simply give them a light prune to tidy up the shape, just cutting back any unsightly shoots as well as damaged or diseased foliage.
“If you wish to carry out a harder prune, remove damaged, diseased or dead growth first and then deadhead your shrub – this often increases flowering the following winter.
“For example, Viburnum Tinus. These hedge plants are easy to maintain and only require a light trim after flowering.
“To encourage healthy growth, cut back the longest shoots and ensure diseases, damaged and congested shoots are removed.”
As with winter-flowering evergreens, deciduous shrubs also require little maintenance when it comes to pruning.
They should be pruned into shape when young to create an attractive form. When they are older and more mature, the experts said pruning should always be carried out by early spring at the latest.
The Hedges Direct experts continued: “Pruning a hawthorn involves cutting back any frost damaged growth and removing all damaged or diseased shoots.
“As there will be no leaves to restrict your view, this should be a fairly easy task.
“Always make sure you leave the shrub’s centre open to allow air and light to easily reach new shoots. After carrying out any pruning, whether a light trim or a renovation prune, it’s always a good idea to mulch and feed your shrubs afterwards to ensure your plant has all the nutrients required for a healthy re-growth.”
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