4 garden plants you should never prune in March — or risk no flowers in summer

Pruning garden plants is essential for their health but some varieties should not be pruned in March

4 garden plants you should never prune in March – or risk no flowers in summer(Image: Penpak Ngamsathain via Getty Images)

Pruning is designed to boost a plant’s wellbeing and enhance its visual appeal. The process involves cutting away dead, diseased or dying branches and stems to stimulate fresh growth.

Yet this could all go to waste if the job isn’t carried out at the right time of year. Timing differs based on which plant requires attention, though it’s typically after flowering has finished. With spring nearly upon us, here are some plants that mustn’t be pruned during March.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is celebrated for its delightful scent and distinctive blooms, but now isn’t the moment to prune it, reports the Express. Both climbing and bush types of honeysuckle shouldn’t be trimmed in March, as you risk cutting off the buds that would have flowered next season. Should your plant blossom in spring or early summer, cut it back once the flowers have finished. However, if it flowers later in summer, you’re better off waiting until spring to tackle the trimming.

Maple trees

Whilst pruning at this time generally won’t harm an established maple tree, it’s not recommended. Maple trees produce sweet sap that can draw various pests. Therefore, they require pruning during the summer months to prevent sap bleeding. Should it be pruned and leak sap, this may leave stains on the bark, rendering it more susceptible to disease and pest problems.

Azaleas

Azaleas require pruning once the flowers have faded; they might not bloom the next season. This means most azaleas will need trimming during the summer. When trimming this plant, it’s crucial to use the right tools, like sharp secateurs, and ensure they’re clean to prevent disease.

Jasmine

Jasmines should be pruned immediately after they’ve flowered, which is usually in the autumn. However, this does vary depending on the type, as jasmine that blooms in winter requires pruning in late winter or early spring.