WITH GARDEN EXPERT HAZEL SILLVER IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK WORDS: HAZEL SILLVER IMAGES: DAWYCK, SHUTTERSTOCK, COLESBOURNE, HEDINGHAMCASTLE, MARKDRAPER
THIS MONTH When and how to prune
Nothing beats a cathartic cutting-back session in the garden. Here’s what to trim in each season
WINTER
February to mid-March is prime rose-pruning time. Ramblers and most shrub roses only require a light haircut, but Hybrid Teas and Floribundas are cut back by half or more, and climbers should be reduced to an open framework. Buddleja and Viticella clematis can be pruned hard to 30cm in late February or March. Grape vines ought to be pruned in December, and standalone pear and apple trees are best pruned during winter (ideally February) to maintain an open-centred goblet shape.
SPRING
Winter-flowering shrubs like mahonia and witch hazel can be trimmed in early spring if necessary, and dogwoods (such as “Midwinter Fire”) grown for colourful winter stems need to be cut down to 5-10cm. Spring-flowering shrubs can be pruned once they finish flowering, and some (including flowering currant and forsythia) could be cut into hedges. In April, use shears to clip lavender into bushy mounds but don’t cut into leafless wood.
AUTUMN
The fruited stems of summer raspberries are cut down to ground level in September. During October, shrub roses (unless sheltered) should be cut back by a third to prevent wind damage over winter. Trees that are prone to sap bleeding, such as birch and Japanese maples, are best pruned when dormant in autumn, if necessary. And, once their fiery-red leaves have dropped, Parthenocissus climbers (Virginia creeper and Boston ivy) can be cut back to contain their relentless vigour.
SUMMER
Shrubs like philadelphus and weigela that flower before midsummer can be trimmed after flowering, if need be. Ornamental cherries can be pruned in June, and wisterias need a second cut in August (the other takes place in February). In case birds a
