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From perennials to climbing roses, these are the plants to prune
October is the perfect month to prune your plants before winter sets in. From classics like roses to well-established deciduous hedges, cutting back garden plants helps them to stay healthy and bloom stronger in spring.
'Pruning your garden ahead of the autumn coolness encourages a healthier growth the following spring, but timing is key,' says Danielle Simpson, Sales Director at Pye Homes. 'Now is the time to cut back on vulnerable plants such as lavender once blooms begin to fade.'
For pruning in October, focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as crossing limbs to improve tree structure. However, it's a good idea to keep any seed heads on plants such as poppies for wildlife to enjoy.
Danielle adds: 'Gently prune trees and bushes by removing dead or crossing branches, but be sure to avoid over-pruning on frost-prone shrubs such as hebe, ceanothus, and cistus.'
On that note, keep reading for the plants to prune this October:
Rambling roses need a good prune to remove dead or damaged stems. While deadheading regularly is the answer to repeat flowering, you'll want to ensure a proper prune before winter weather sets in.
'Climbing roses can be pruned in autumn, while the plant is dormant,' says Paul Parker, gardening expert at plants and perennials specialists J. Parker’s.
'If your plant is less than two years old, then avoid pruning altogether so as not to stunt its growth. Climbing roses shouldn’t need vigorous pruning. Avoid the main framework of stems altogether, only cutting side shoots that are crossing or sticking out down to just above the bud.'
Dahlias, with their blowsy, billowing blooms, fill our gardens with beauty. But don't forget to lift and store tubers correctly in October to avoid frost damage.
'We advise chopping the stems down to about 10–15cm above the soil before lifting the tubers. This helps prevent rot and makes the tubers easier to store over winter,' says Julian.
'Summer fruiting raspberry canes should be cut back to ground level in October, and currants, gooseberries, and redcurrants benefit from thinning out the fruited stems so new shoots can grow next season,' explains Julian.
Cut back faded foliage to ground level in late autumn to encourage strong growth the following spring. According to Julian, this helps to reduce the risk of disease and tidy up your anemone for winter. It's usually a good idea to wait until the first frosts have turned the foliage black (this means the plant is starting to die back naturally).
While lavender can be left to its own devices, it's best to trim in autumn to stop yours from becoming woody and unsightly. Wait until all flowers have faded, then use secateurs to cut back all flower stalks. Leave a small portion of green foliage.
'Lavender, and also rosemary, can be gently pruned after flowering, but avoid cutting into old wood,' says Julian.
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