Spring is finally here, and that means it is time to start heading back into the garden and get pruning. March is the ideal time to tend to outdoor spaces as plants begin to wake up.
A careful trim now will keep your garden looking its best when summer arrives. Cutting back parts of a plant can keep it healthy, encourage new growth and improve its shape. But what plants are best pruned in March? According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the longer days of March provide the ideal chance to increase gardening tasks. And, there are five plants that could use some attention.
Roses
It is important to prune your roses so they can bloom this summer. If you have bush or standard roses, now is the time to give them some attention.
It’s best to get to work before their leaves start to unfurl. Pruning roses now helps them grow stronger and stay healthy by improving air flow and preventing disease. Tend to them in March as they start to wake up, and it will make it easier to shape and refresh the plant later in the year.
Summer-flowering shrubs
Many summer-flowering shrubs should be pruned in March. The likes of Buddleja (butterfly bush), Caryopteris, Hydrangea paniculata, Lavatera, or hardy fuchsia should be trimmed now to promote new growth.
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Clematis
If you missed out on pruning your clematis last month, now is the time to do it. Cut the lowest pair of strong buds above ground level. Mulch and feed the plant afterwards.
Jasmine
Winter-flowering Jasmine should be pruned after blooming by removing the dead shoots. Tie in new shoots and trim laterals to 5cm to keep it tidy and encourage new flowers next year. Mulch and feed for healthy growth.
Summer-flowering jasmine should be pruned by removing just a couple of stems at ground level if needed. Avoid cutting laterals to protect this year’s blooms.
Climbers
Overgrown climbers can be attended to this month. The RHS said: “With deciduous ones, you should now be able to tell which growth is dead and which alive, as the live stems will show buds bursting into life. Suitable climbers include Lonicera (honeysuckle), Hedera (ivy) and rambling roses.”
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