If you’re looking forward to seeing your garden in bloom this summer, make sure you take time to prune these 10 plants to see them develop to their full potential
Most garden-owners are anticipating a gorgeous display of blooms once summer is in full swing – but, beware, some flowers need to be pruned first.
Pruning is a crucial task for the development of many plants, as it allows gardeners to sheer off any unwanted, damaged or dying blooms to make way for a much more robust blossom. This is because it forces the plant to redirect energy and nutrients to new blossoms. Equally, it helps prevent the spread of disease, as you can prune away any infected leaves, stems or blossoms.
Of course, not all flowers or plants require pruning, so it’s important to know which ones do. Luckily, Country Living have put together a list of 10 popular plants that need pruning before summer:
Ornamental Grass
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This pluming grass is great at adding visual interest to your garden. To ensure it blooms to its full potential, prune it back by about two-thirds before summer kicks into full gear.
Panicle Hydrangea
Pruning hydrangeas will encourage fuller, healthier blossoms. Country Living advise to cut it back by about a third and to remove any weak or broken stems.
Caryopteris
While this plant is known for its gorgeous deep blue blossoms, it can become foliage-heavy if left untrimmed. You can cut them back by about 30 to 45 cm without harming them.
Smooth Hydrangea
Similar to the panicle variety, smooth hydrangeas should be pruned back by about a third to guarantee fresh, healthy growth and to remove any discoloured or unappealing blossoms.
Russian Sage
This hardy plant will grow back year after year if cared for properly. To get the best of its summer bloom, you can cut it all the way to the ground to allow fresh new growth to spring back up.
Butterfly Bush
These beautiful bright purple bushes are so-called because they attract butterflies. To maintain its bloom throughout the summer, Country Living advise to cut most of the plant back once blossoms start emerging. Otherwise, you can deadhead dull blossoms.
Rose
While roses are generally low maintenance, they will benefit from pruning before the summer hits. Country Living say you should cut them back by about a third “straight across”.
Lavender
Many gardeners enjoy growing lavender for its delicately-scented purple blooms. However, if your plant needs sprucing up, you can prune it back. Though make sure not to cut into the woody stem and not to prune after buds have appeared.
Catmint
A cat’s favourite plant, felines are irresistibly drawn to this flowery bush. It’s not necessary to prune before summer but cutting away dead stems will improve its appearance.
Boxwood
While not absolutely necessary, pruning this evergreen bush can improve its appearance. Country Living write: “You can trim to shape it, or you can leave it more natural-looking and not prune, depending on your preference.”
