Prune these 3 plants in August for vigorous growth and better blooms next year

Staff
By Staff

Knowing when to prune is key, as different plants need to be pruned at different times of the year to ensure they grow and bloom to their full potential

Pink fragrant climbing rose. Variety Crazy in Love. Spring bloom. Photographed Worcestershire May 2024.
These plants will benefit from pruning(Image: taken by Richard Radford via Getty Images)

Pruning is a vital part of plant care, promoting healthy growth, encouraging fresh blooms and managing the size of the plant. Gardeners are advised to follow the 3Ds rule when pruning and ensure they do so at the right time of year.

The timing for pruning depends on the specific plant in question, as different plants require pruning at different times. For August, gardening experts have suggested three plants that would benefit from a trim: wisteria, lavender, and rambling roses.

Three plants to prune in August

Wisteria

To manage its “vigorous growth” and size, as well as enhance its flowering display, wisteria requires regular pruning, reports the Express.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), August is an ideal month to prune wisteria.

Gorgeous blooms of wisteria. The tenderly violet-purple flowers  in pendulous racemes make us think of sweet floral waterfalls.
Wisteria needs pruning(Image: Katrin Ray Shumakov via Getty Images)

Post-flowering, gardeners should trim back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves. The experts advise: “The removal of growth allows for better air circulation and more sunlight to reach the base of the young growths.

“It also encourages better ripening of the wood and improves the chances of flower bud formation.”

Lavender

Typically, the best time to prune lavender is in August, immediately after it has finished flowering.

This timing allows the plant to heal and harden off new growth before the frost arrives, ensuring a healthy bloom the following year.

Close-up image of beautiful summer flowering, Lavender, purple flowers in Terracotta pots
Lavender is a great addition to any garden(Image: Jacky Parker Photography via Getty Images)

Rambling roses

Provided they have finished flowering, August is a great time to prune rambling roses.

This timing allows for the removal of spent flowering stems and encourages new growth for the upcoming season. If necessary, also tie in new shoots to supports, aiming for a balanced shape.

However, major renovations should be carried out in late autumn or winter, when the plant is dormant.

Other plants that can be pruned in August include certain fruit trees like plums and cherries.

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