Now is the time to prune these garden plants so that they will produce beautiful flowers in spring.
If you prune these plants now, you’ll be rewarded in spring with some amazing flowers. Now, let’s get those pruning shears out.
Autumn is a really important time for gardeners.
While we often talk about planting and improving the soil at this time of year, pruning is also really important for making sure certain plants do well in the spring. October is often the best time for this activity. So, which plants would benefit from a little pruning in October? Just follow the guide!
1. Remontant roses :
These roses are different from the ones that only flower once a year because they produce roses several times during the season. If you want your remontant roses to flower generously next spring, you can prune them lightly in October. This autumn pruning will tidy up the plant by removing any wilted flowers and small, weak branches.
2. Hydrangeas :
Hydrangeas are great plants, but they need a bit of pruning to keep them looking their best. In October, the main thing to do is to remove the spent flower heads. This will help the plant to produce new buds in time for spring.
3. Summer flowering shrubs:
A lot of shrubs flower during the summer. Once they’ve finished flowering, pruning can be a good idea. This helps the shrub to keep a nice shape, while getting rid of the flowers that have already come and gone, as well as any dead or diseased branches.
4. Trellised fruit trees:
Autumn is a great time to prune fruit trees like apple and pear trees. This pruning, done in October, helps the trees distribute sap better and get the best fruit yield the following year.
5. Perennials :
While not all perennials need pruning in October, some will really benefit from it. It’s especially useful for preventing plants from becoming overgrown by their own foliage or by other plants. This way, they’ll be ready to grow back strong in early spring.
6. Lavender:
This Mediterranean plant is well-known for its enchanting fragrance and should be pruned after flowering. In October, just give it a little trim to make it more compact. This will encourage new growth in the spring.
It’s important to remember that pruning needs to be done carefully. It’s important to use sharp, clean tools. It’s also a good idea to find out which pruning technique is best for each type of plant. However, there are some plants that shouldn’t be pruned at this time of year. If you’re unsure about a particular species, it’s always best to check with an expert or specialist resource. It’s always better to be cautious than to regret an inappropriate pruning job.
