Now is the crucial period for pruning certain plants to ensure they flourish next season. The Royal Horticultural Society explains that pruning is a selective method of removing parts of a plant to promote better growth. It's essential to understand that each type of shrub and flower requires pruning at different times throughout the year, so knowing when to use the secateurs is key.
Experts point out that with the dormant season approaching, there are numerous plants in the garden ready for pruning. For roses situated in windy or exposed locations, David Austin recommends trimming shrub roses by one-third of their height around mid to late October, as reported by the Express. This should be done after the last blooms have wilted, reports the Mirror .
The aim is to prevent "wind rock", a condition where the rose becomes unstable at its base due to wind, according to gardening specialists. It's important to clear away any "dead, dying, diseased and damaged steams" and remove all remaining leaves. Mediterranean varieties such as rosemary, lavender , and citrus need to be pruned after they've bloomed but before the onset of winter to minimise stress.
For rosemary, it's advised to trim back the entire plant by roughly one-third to maintain its size and shape. When it comes to pruning lavender, timing is crucial. William Mitchell from Sutton Manor Nursery advises: "Left to its own devices, lavender can become bushy and leggy.
Pruning annually can help to keep its shape and stop it.