6 Plants To Prune In March Before Spring Growth Surges

Roses roses growing outside Elena Popova//Getty Images

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 white hydrangea blooming outside Grace Cary//Getty Images

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.”

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Clematis clematis flowers growing outside Photos by R A Kearton//Getty Images

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 purple lavender growing outside Kazutaka / 500px//Getty Images

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.

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Fruit trees pears growing on tree in garden Yuliia Kokosha//Getty Images

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.

Headshot of Lisa Joyner Lisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

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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