6 plants to prune in March before it's too late
Plus, the common lavender pruning mistake most gardeners make
Secateurs at the ready: March is the perfect month to prune back garden plants such as hydrangeas, rambling roses and a variety of fruit trees.
With longer days and warmer weather (finally) on the horizon, stepping outside with a list of jobs to tick off feels much less of a chore, especially as a chorus of birds provides an uplifting spring soundtrack.
But, when it comes to pruning, Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, urges gardeners to avoid making a common mistake: treating every plant in the garden the same way. "They all want something slightly different and getting that right in spring makes a real difference to how they perform over summer," he tells us.
Heading outside this weekend? Take a look at the plants to prune before it's too late:
Roses
As well as feeding your roses, March is a great time to prune them back just before spring growth begins.
"Roses are best tackled in late February or March. Cut back to an outward-facing bud, remove anything that's crossing or congested, and take out dead or spindly wood," says Julian.
"You're aiming for that open, goblet shape that lets air move through freely, and good airflow alone goes a long way toward keeping blackspot at bay."
Hydrangeas
March is also an excellent time to gently prune back hydrangeas — just make sure not to cut too hard.
"On mophead and lacecap varieties, just take off the old flowerheads and any dead wood, and leave last year's stems well alone," says Julian. "This year's flowers come from those stems, so if you cut too hard, you're cutting away the blooms before they've even had a chance."
Clematis
Climbing clematis is one of the most rewarding garden plants, offering a spectacular display of interest throughout the seasons.
According to Julian, now is a great time to cut them back by around 30cm. "Earlier flowering types are the exception, where you just remove weak or dead growth and leave the rest," he tells us.
Lavender and sage
Lavender and sage can also benefit from a healthy trim, but don't make this common mistake: cutting into the old wood.
"It sounds like a small thing, but it's what keeps them compact and productive for years longer than they'd otherwise manage," says Julian.
Fruit trees
Owners of fruit trees, such as apples and pears, should consider pruning them in March for a more bountiful harvest.
"Fruit trees respond well to pruning now, too. Focus on branches that are crossing or growing back into the centre of the tree, which will open things up and let in light and air, which tends to show later in better-sized, better flavoured fruit," adds Julian.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
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