Pruning at the right time is essential to keep plants healthy, stimulate growth, and ensure abundant blooming throughout the year.
The end of summer is a strategic period for maintenance and rejuvenation pruning in various plants.
If you want a beautiful and well-maintained garden, check out 9 plants that should be pruned at the end of summer and learn the best techniques for each!
1. Roses
Roses should be pruned at the end of summer to remove dead branches, stimulate new shoot growth, and ensure abundant blooming in the next season.
How to prune:
- Cut off dead or diseased branches.
- Remove thin and weak stems.
- Leave 3 to 5 main branches to direct growth.
- This improves air circulation and prevents diseases like fungi and pests.
2. Hydrangeas
If your hydrangeas have already bloomed, this is the ideal time to prune them, ensuring they grow stronger for the next cycle.
How to prune:
- Cut off dry flowers at the height of the first pair of healthy leaves.
- Remove old stems to stimulate the growth of new shoots.
- Remember that some varieties bloom on old wood, so always check the type before drastic pruning!
3. Lavender
Lavender needs light pruning after summer to maintain its compact shape and encourage new blooming.
How to prune:
- Remove dry flowers and woody stems.
- Avoid cutting too close to the main stem to prevent regeneration issues.
- This keeps lavender healthy and growing more evenly.
4. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea blooms better when pruned at the end of summer, removing dead branches and guiding the plant for more balanced growth.
How to prune:
- Cut dry or unruly branches.
- Remove thin and weak stems to encourage new growth.
- This improves air circulation and stimulates intense blooming.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary needs pruning to prevent it from becoming too woody and to stimulate new shoots, making harvesting more productive.
How to prune:
- Remove dry branches and excessively long stems.
- Never cut more than ⅓ of the plant at once to avoid growth shock.
- This extends the plant’s lifespan and helps maintain its compact shape.
6. Hibiscus
Hibiscus blooms better after strategic pruning, removing weak branches and stimulating more vigorous growth.
How to prune:
- Remove dry flowers and old stems.
- Make diagonal cuts to prevent water accumulation.
- This helps the plant direct more energy into producing new flowers.
7. Grape Vines
Pruning grapevines is essential to ensure a bountiful harvest and healthy fruit. This period is ideal for this care.
How to prune:
- Cut off dry and weak branches.
- Leave only 2 to 3 main branches to direct growth.
- This improves air circulation and enhances fruiting in the next season.
8. Citrus Fruit Trees (Lemon, Orange, Tangerine)
Citrus trees benefit from pruning at the end of summer to stimulate new shoots and improve fruit production.
How to prune:
- Remove dry, diseased, or crossing branches.
- Cut back shoots growing too close together to increase light penetration.
- This prevents pests and ensures healthier fruit production.
9. Camellias
Camellias need pruning after blooming to maintain their compact shape and encourage new flowers in the next season.
How to prune:
- Remove dry flowers and overly long branches.
- Make gentle cuts to stimulate new shoots.
- This helps the plant prepare for another blooming cycle.
Extra tips for successful pruning
- Always use sharp and sterilized tools to prevent plant infections.
- Make clean, diagonal cuts to avoid water accumulation and disease.
- Avoid overly aggressive pruning to prevent weakening the plant.
- Prune during the waning moon phase, as it helps minimize the impact on growth.
With these tips, your garden will be healthier and ready to bloom abundantly in the coming seasons!
Photo: Pexels. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
