Pruning is a crucial gardening task in February, as it enhances plant health by allowing air circulation and boosts flower production by eliminating dead stems.
It’s also easier to see the branch structure more clearly at this time of year as plants won’t be fully in leaf. However, knowing which plants to prune is vital.
Pruning the wrong plants this month could lead to disastrous results. With this in mind, gardening experts at Jacksons Nurseries have revealed three common plants that need pruning now.
1. Rhododendrons
It’s not too late for gardeners to hard prune any established rhododendrons they have which have become untidy, outsized or are flowering less abundantly than they used to. Winter is a good time to do this as the plant will have the full season to regrow again.
For those doing hard pruning, choose a frost-free day in February and cut back branches to a branch point, where dormant buds will send out new growth. Interior branches that do not get any light can be removed to improve air circulation because they will eventually die, reports the Express.
Cut out any diseased stems well below the diseased area and dispose of them. The aim should be to maintain rhododendrons’ natural, low, mounding growth habit, creating a framework that allows for plenty of air circulation to minimise the risk of pests and diseases.
2. Early-flowering deciduous shrubs
Gardening experts have shared that the annual pruning of early flowering deciduous shrubs at this time of year is key for “strong healthy growth and more prolific flowering” next season. It’s important for gardeners to prune only those shrubs that have finished their February bloom, specifically the late winter flowering varieties.
Hold off on cutting back shrubs set to blossom from March to early summer until they’ve completed their current year’s display. Pruning right after blooming allows plants the longest period to develop new growth, which will bear flowers the following year, before this summer ends.
The goal is to shape a balanced, open, and airy goblet-like structure of branches, enhancing air circulation around the plants.
3. Wisteria
As for wisteria, it “needs regular pruning” to maintain control, with February being the “perfect time” for a trim.
A follow-up pruning is advised in late summer, between July and August. Properly pruned wisteria will not only “improve their flowering display” but also prevent them from growing into unwanted areas like lights, drains, or windows.
In February, trim the whippy shoots back to two or three buds on the leafless stems to keep your wisteria neat before the growing season kicks in and to make sure the foliage doesn’t obscure the spring blossoms.
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