Pruning is carried out throughout the year to help the garden to thrive and for new growth to be encouraged. August is a month when gardeners can prune plants such as lavender and roses.
Pruning is an essential, year-round activity that nurtures garden vitality and fosters fresh growth.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the optimal timing for pruning varies with each plant. However, August is particularly favorable for trimming plants like lavender and roses.
Wisteria, known for its vigorous growth, benefits from regular pruning to control its size and enhance blooming. Experts suggest, “While wisterias can be allowed to spread freely where space permits, they typically flower more abundantly and consistently if pruned twice annually,” as reported by the Express.
“Summer pruning improves air circulation and sunlight penetration at the base of new growth, promoting better wood ripening and increasing the likelihood of flower bud development,” they explained. Trim back the long, green shoots from the current year’s growth to five or six leaves. This practice not only manages the plant’s size but also encourages the formation of flower buds rather than just more green shoots.
Michael, known as @themediterraneangardener on TikTok, recommends August for lavender pruning. He emphasizes that it’s crucial to avoid cutting into old wood, as this part of the plant may not regenerate.
In his pruning video, he mentions: “The plant will continue to grow, likely adding another couple of inches. That’s fine; we let it be. This growth will provide winter protection and set the stage for a well-shaped plant ready to produce new flower buds next year.”
Now is the perfect time to tackle rambling roses, which can quickly become unruly without proper pruning. According to the RHS experts, “Ramblers are typically pruned in late summer, once their blooms and hips have faded.”
For managing these vigorous climbers, they recommend: “After the supports are fully covered, reduce excessive growth by thinning out and shortening one-third of the oldest stems.”
If you’re working with limited space, the RHS has a solution: “In constrained areas, remove all stems that have finished flowering and secure new growth in their place.”
However, pruning isn’t the only task at hand—keeping plants well-hydrated is equally important, especially during intense heat and limited shade. The RHS advises: “Give drought-stressed plants and shrubs a thorough soaking, particularly newly planted ones, and use recycled or stored rainwater if possible.”
Additionally, they stress the importance of watering for specific shrubs, noting: “Ensure early-flowering shrubs like camellias and rhododendrons receive ample water during dry spells to support healthy flower bud development.”
