Four garden plants you need to prune now to ‘stimulate new growth and improve flowering’
December may seem like a time to stop carrying out garden tasks, but when it comes to pruning, this month is a great time to prune certain plants. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, one expert has shared what needs pruning in December.
Alan Titchmarsh explains how to correctly prune roses
Pruning is done for various reasons – to promote bigger harvests, get newly-planted trees and shrubs off to a good start, encourage flowering, shape plants, remove diseased wood and promote vigorous growth.
But why is December a great time to carry out this task? At this time of year, leaves have fallen so it’s easy to see a plant’s framework to know where it needs pruning.
While plants are dormant, it’s also a good time to carry out renovation pruning, to revive plants that can become large and unproductive.
Pruning in winter can also help control or prevent the spread of disease.
Gene Caballero, co-founder at GreenPal told Express.co.uk: “December is a key month for pruning certain types of plants, particularly in preparation for the growing season.”
Here are four plants that benefit from pruning in December and tips on how to prune them.
1. Deciduous trees and shrubs
Many deciduous trees and shrubs are dormant in December, making it an “ideal time to prune”. This includes varieties like oaks, maples, and hydrangeas.
Pruning during dormancy minimises sap loss and reduces the risk of disease or pest infestation.
Gene instructed: “Make clean cuts just above a bud or branching point, and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth.”
Don't miss...
Plant that’s illegal to allow to grow outside garden - leads to criminal charges [WARNING]
Magic homemade weed killer recipe gardeners claim makes weeds die for good [COMMENT]
Crucial garden task to avoid that will reduce hydrangea bloom and hinder growth [INSIGHT]
2. Fruit trees
For fruit trees like apples and pears, winter pruning “promotes vigorous growth”.
All gardeners have to do is remove any crossing branches to prevent damage and thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. This will “improve fruit quality”.
3. Roses
The experts claimed that if the weather is “mild”, then December is a “good time” to prune roses.
To do so, cut the plant back about one-third of the growth to shape the plant and remove any dead or diseased wood.
Gene explained that pruning like this helps to “stimulate new growth and improve flowering”.
4. Perennials
Many herbaceous perennials benefit from being cut back in this month, particularly if they have “finished flowering and look untidy”.
These perennials include plants like hostas and peonies. The experts said: “Cut back the dead foliage to the ground to tidy up the plant and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.”