Four plants to prune in September for healthy growth and even a ‘second flush of flowers’
With winter just around the corner, gardeners are urged to prune certain plants to prepare the garden for winter.
Pruning throughout the year is a crucial gardening job and can help to promote new growth and even a second flowering.
The aim is to remove dead, diseased and damaged branches and stems which can also help to improve the look of the plant or shrub.
Luckily, there are lots for gardeners to prune in September, including honeysuckle, acers and buddleia.
Buddleia
In summer and autumn, gardeners can prune buddleia, also known as the butterfly bush.
Whilst it is best pruned in the spring, it can be given a haircut in the autumn months by removing withered flowers and deadheading.
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Start by removing flowers before the seeds form, as this prevents summer lilac from spreading.
Deadhead faded blooms back to a pair of strong shoots to help result in a tidier appearance and “a second flush of flowers”, noted the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Evergreen hedges
The RHS said: “Trim fast-growing hedges like leylandii to prepare them for winter. Cut hedges slightly narrower at the top than the bottom to prevent snow damage and shading.”
When the hedge is young, remove about half of the new growth each year until it reaches the desired height.
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The RHS added: “Wear gloves, goggles, and possible ear defenders when using powered hedge trimmers.
“Avoid using powered tools above shoulder height.” If unable to cut safely, make sure to consult a professional.
Lonicera (honeysuckle)
Prune honeysuckle in mid-to-late summer after it has finished flowering. For early flowering varieties, you can cut back the flowered shoots by about one-third in late summer.
Make sure to remove diseased, damaged or dead stems. If the plant is overgrown, you can cut it back by about one-third.
Ornamental trees
Trees such as acers and sorbus provide beautiful colour in the garden as flower beds and borders begin to fade.
Once the leaves have fallen, gardeners should prune them whilst they are dormant, often in autumn.