BY SALLY EDWARDS
Few things are as scary in the garden as watching your partner stomp down the garden with a pair of shears in their hands. But there is usually method in their madness as, counter-intuitive as it is, pruning stimulates growth. Yes it does!
Here’s the science: Each shoot (or branch) on a woody plant ends in a terminal (or lead) bud which produces a hormone called auxin which slows the growth of the lateral buds on the branch they share (the buds which have a leaf below them). So if you cut the lead, you’ll stimulate growth. Who dares, wins.
Most species enjoy vigorous pruning, and this is best done at young age, creating the right, compact shape early. But many plants merely require light pruning to sculpt and encourage slow growth where you want it. It feels wrong, but cut back hard on the weak side (especially if diseased) and prune lightly on the strong. If your pruned plant is diseased, dispose of cuttings carefully so as not to spread the problem.
Just like people, each type and variety of plant deserves individual respect and care. After all, when you go to the hairdressers you don’t want the same cut as the previous customer. Even plants like hydrangeas and roses differ wildly in terms of where and when to prune. Evergreen and deciduous plants also require different treatment.
Please, I do not want to hear of anyone reaching too far with a sharp object in their hands. For goodness’ sake, ask someone for help if you can’t reach or it’s too thick and you don’t have the right tools.
Quick list of plants to prune but always check variety:
Early Spring: buddleia, fuchsia, hibiscus, hydrangea paniculata, spirea japonica
Mid & Late Spring: box, camellia, heather, passion, ornamental grasses, red & white currant, fig, pyrocantha, clematis
Mid & Late Spring: lavender, magnolia, apricot, damson, raspberry
People love to be asked to help – especially if you are clear what you require. Let someone be a good neighbour.
In very general terms, winter pruning stimulates growth and summer pruning slows it down, but to ensure you prune your specific plants in the most effective way (scientifically and artistically speaking) I’d google it. Google is your friend. YouTube also offers great videos for specific plants – just type in ‘How to prune hydrangeas’ and you’ll be joined by an army of wellied-up experts – but ensure they represent your part of the world as global climates vary.
Remember, they may be experts but you are the Head Gardener. Approach your plant, pause, take in its needs, the variety, space, light and condition of the plant, check you have the right time of year, then and only then, go for it! Here’s Johnny!