Avoid trimming these plants in August to ensure bloom next spring
Garden Care Tips: Avoid Pruning Certain Plants in August
August is a busy month in the garden, but it's important to be mindful of which plants to prune and which to leave alone. Here are some guidelines to help you protect your garden for the upcoming year.
Firstly, if you're planning to plant a potted fruit tree this month, consider the 'Mini Conference' pear from Thompson & Morgan. It's perfect for smaller gardens. However, when it comes to pruning, it's best to wait until winter, during dormancy.
When it comes to perennials, there are some that can be planted in August for flowers all the way into the autumn months. Anemone × hybrida 'Köönigin Charlotte' is one such example. But, it's crucial to avoid pruning certain perennials in August to prevent removing developing buds and spoiling blooms in the following year.
Late-flowering perennials such as hydrangeas (excluding climbing hydrangeas), asters, dahlias, nerines, rudbeckias, heleniums, Japanese anemone, and chrysanthemums should not be pruned in August. Pruning them can damage them and reduce blooms in the following year. Spring-flowering shrubs like rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, forsythia, lilac, and early viburnum should also be left untouched, as they make their flower buds in late summer, so cutting them back in August prevents flowering next year.
Hydrangeas blooming on old wood (the majority except climbing hydrangeas) should also not be pruned in August, as this will reduce flowering for the next season. In contrast, climbing hydrangeas can be gently tidied after flowering in August, but it's important to check the variety before cutting.
Evergreens like berberis, choisya, and daphne are not suitable for pruning in August. Pruning them can risk losing flowers and produce tender new growth that may be damaged by colder weather. Light summer pruning is only suitable for types such as espaliers or cordons.
It's not recommended to prune perennials that are still flowering or have fallen blooms in August. There are still plenty of jobs to do in the garden in August that'll keep you busy, even if you can't prune the plants from this list right now.
Remember, it's essential to be aware of the flowering season of the plants before pruning them in August to avoid damaging them. Pruning apple trees too soon can stress the plant, and any new growth will be susceptible to disease. Pruning certain shrubs, trees, and flowers in August can damage them.
In summary, to protect 2026 blooms, avoid August pruning of late-flowering perennials, spring-flowering shrubs, and hydrangeas that bloom on old wood. Prune these only after the flowering season is fully over or during specific dormant periods to avoid loss of next year's flowers.
Sophie King, our new Gardens Editor, joins us in June 2024, and she has a soft spot for roses and dinnerplate dahlias. She loves sharing growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies.
Interior design enthusiasts might find inspiration in Sophie King's love for roses and dinnerplate dahlias, as these plants play a key role in her lifestyle. Meanwhile, when tending to one's home-and-garden during August, it's crucial to avoid pruning late-flowering perennials, spring-flowering shrubs, and hydrangeas that bloom on old wood to preserve blooms for the following year.
