A well-timed January prune can make all the difference
Many gardeners overlook January, but it's one of the most effective times to prune plants ahead of spring. From fruit trees to rambling roses, winter pruning promotes vigorous growth, prevents disease, and makes the job easier as the ground is often firmer.
'January is an ideal time for pruning many deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers, as the plants are dormant, promoting healthy growth and improved flowering,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'Pruning now minimises disease risk and sap bleeding for the plants mentioned.'
On that note, take a look at the plants to prune in January...
Pruning is one of the most important jobs for garden roses, giving them a healthy shape and structure for the season ahead.
'Most roses, especially bush and climbers, need dead or rubbing canes removed, with weaker growth cut back for airflow,' Julian tells us.
'Shrub and bush roses require trimming dead or damaged stems and reducing main branches by a third above outward buds for better airflow. Buddleia (butterfly bush) can be cut back to 30cm buds. Late-flowering shrubs like Spiraea and Physocarpus get light pruning for stronger shoots.'
January is the ideal time for pruning hydrangeas to encourage new growth in the spring. However, avoid pruning early hydrangeas now to prevent damage or lost blooms.
'Panicle and smooth hydrangeas tolerate aggressive cuts, removing one-third to half the oldest wood before buds swell,' says Julian.
Pruning apple and pear trees in winter will help you improve their shape and size, while also preventing any future diseases. As they are dormant, you'll be able to see the structure more easily.
'Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, then shorten last year's growth by a third to outward-facing buds,' says Julian.
'Gooseberries, redcurrants, and blackcurrants need older stems cut to ground level to encourage fruiting wood,' says Julian. 'Autumn-fruiting raspberries need a hard prune now, cutting fruited canes right back.'
Julian also suggests pruning fig trees back now, too, and advises cutting the oldest stems to the base.
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