Pruning aims to increase the health of the plant and improve its appearance. It involves removing dead, diseased, or dying branches and stems to help encourage new growth.
However, this could all be ruined if the task isn’t performed at the correct times of the year. This varies depending on which plant needs pruning, but it is often after the plant has flowered. With spring just around the corner, here are some plants which shouldn’t be pruned in March.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is known for its sweet fragrance and unique flowers, but it shouldn’t be pruned now.
Neither climbing nor bush varieties of honeysuckle should be pruned in March because you’ll run the risk of removing the buds, which would have bloomed the following season.
If your plant blooms in spring or early summer, trim it after they flower. However, it flowers later in the summer, it is best to wait until spring to trim them.
Maple trees
While pruning now generally won’t hurt a mature maple tree, it is not advised.
Maple trees contain sweet sap, which can attract a variety of pests. For this reason, they need to be pruned in the summer months to avoid bleeding sap.
If it is pruned and leaks sap, it may leave marks on the bark, making it more vulnerable to disease and pests.
Azaleas
Azaleas need pruning after the blooms fade, or they may not flower the following season. This means the majority of azaleas will need to be pruned in the summer.
While pruning this plant, it’s incredibly important to use the correct tools, such as sharp secateurs, to make sure they are clean to avoid disease.
Jasmine
Jasmines need to be pruned straight after flowering, which is typically in the autumn. This does depend on the variety, though, as winter-blooming jasmine needs pruning in late winter or early spring.
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