Shear delight of pruning shrubs
Sharp cutting tools will come in handy this month, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
PRUNING SHRUBS
As a general rule, the best time to prune shrubs, especially those that flower in the first half of the year, is straight after they have finished flowering.this gives the plant time to produce new shoots which will carry next year’s blooms.
However, several shrubs that flower later in the year such as Buddleja davidii, Leycesteria and hardy fuchsias, produce their blooms on the new growth they make after they have been given a hard prune at the end of February.
Weigela, Exochorda ‘The Bride’ and Ribes sanguineum are all candidates for pruning at some point in late spring/early summer. For most parts of the country, pruning may be earlier rather than later this year after an unusually hot spring.at this mid-point of the year also clip low-growing evergreen box, privet, yew and Lonicera nitida hedges and topiary shapes.
Removal of the main shoot tips stimulates the growth of side shoots further down the stems which results in bushier growth. Make light of the job by using sharp shears rather than a hedge cutter because not only will you achieve crisper lines but you will have more control of the shape and angles of the plants.
Ultra-light shears, as shown here, are a pleasure to work with, particularly if the job requires lifting your arms for lengthy periods.while they weigh far less than older models, they are equally robust and ideal for a range of tasks around the garden.
Taller boundary hedges should be left uncut for as long as possible, to give birds the privacy and protection they need while feeding their young. If you must tackle these, check carefully for any signs of active nests before starting.
During a drought, flowering plants produce less nectar, so be sure to give them a thorough soaking regularly, as well as any trees and shrubs that have been newly planted.