Complete Gardening
July is the perfect time to fine-tune your garden by pruning certain plants while leaving others untouched.
Knowing what to prune and what to avoid can make a significant difference in the health and beauty of your garden.
Here are seven plants to prune right now and three that should be left alone this month.
1. Roses
Every gardener knows the allure of roses. These timeless blooms, with their captivating fragrance, thrive when given a little care. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering, offering a constant display of color. Lightly shaping bushes can also promote more vigorous growth and flowering. By removing faded blooms, nutrients are redirected to healthy buds, keeping your roses vibrant. Remember to use sharp, clean tools to avoid diseases. Did you know? Roses have been a symbol of love and beauty for centuries, often associated with romance and passion.
2. Herbs
Herbs are the delightful essence of any culinary garden. Pruning basil, mint, oregano, and thyme not only prevents flowering but keeps them compact and lush. Frequent trimming ensures these aromatic plants stay vigorous and flavorful. Pinch off any flowers that appear to direct energy towards leaf production. The more you prune, the bushier these plants become. Did you know? Many of these herbs have been cherished for their medicinal properties since ancient times, adding not just flavor but wellness to your meals.
3. Summer-Flowering Shrubs
Summer-flowering shrubs like butterfly bush, spirea, and bluebeard delight gardens with vibrant colors. After their first bloom, light shaping can refresh their appearance, fostering new growth. Removing spent blooms not only tidies the plant but encourages a second wave of flowers. Such pruning is gentle, making sure not to harm new buds forming. Fun fact: These shrubs are pollinator magnets, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden, making them both beautiful and beneficial. Careful pruning ensures they continue to flourish and beautify the landscape.
4. Perennials
Perennials offer a tapestry of colors and textures in the garden. Deadheading daylilies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and salvia can promote reblooming, keeping your garden lively. Removing old flowers helps to channel the plant’s energy towards producing new buds. Cutting back leggy growth on plants like catmint, coreopsis, or veronica maintains their shape and encourages bushier growth. Did you know? Many perennials are perennial favorites in cottage gardens, cherished for their ability to return year after year with minimal fuss.
5. Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are the backbone of many landscapes, providing shade and structure. In July, light thinning or the removal of broken branches is recommended. Heavy pruning should be avoided, except for maples and birches, which can bleed sap in spring. Such careful attention ensures the trees remain healthy and robust. Fun fact: Deciduous trees are nature’s artists, painting the landscape with vibrant hues each fall, before shedding leaves to prepare for winter’s rest. Proper pruning in July sets them up for another season of growth.
6. Grape Vines
Grape vines, with their sprawling nature, benefit from summer pruning. This practice improves airflow and sun exposure, crucial for ripening grapes. By trimming excess growth, you allow the sun to touch more of the developing fruit, enhancing their flavor. Keep an eye out for overly dense areas that can harbor pests or diseases. Did you know? Ancient Romans mastered the art of vine cultivation, and their techniques still influence modern viticulture today. A well-pruned vine is a fruitful vine, rewarding your efforts with a bountiful harvest.
7. New Growth on Fruit Trees
Fruit trees, whether apple, pear, or peach, often produce unwanted suckers or water sprouts. These growths draw energy away from fruit production, so it’s wise to remove them. Pinching or snipping these off in July allows the tree to focus on developing delicious fruit. This practice can lead to a more fruitful harvest. Did you know? Orchards have been around for centuries, often passed through generations as a family tradition. Proper care ensures they continue to produce abundant, healthy produce for years to come.
1. Spring-Flowering Shrubs
Spring-flowering shrubs like lilac, forsythia, and azalea set their buds the year before they bloom. Pruning them in July can remove next spring’s flowers, so patience is key. These shrubs require pruning right after they bloom, allowing them time to form new buds for the following year. Did you know? These shrubs are often heralds of spring, their vibrant blooms announcing the season’s arrival. By leaving them untouched in July, you ensure a glorious display next year. Proper timing is crucial to preserving their beauty.
2. Evergreens
Evergreens, with their all-year-round foliage, require careful timing for pruning. Shaping or cutting back in July can lead to sunburn or stress, harming the plant. These resilient plants are best left alone in the heat of summer, as their maintenance schedule typically falls in cooler months. Fun fact: Evergreens were traditionally used as symbols of eternal life and resilience, often featured in winter celebrations. Protecting them from summer pruning ensures they remain lush and full, preserving their beauty and symbolism.
3. Stressed or Drought-Affected Plants
When plants show signs of stress from heat or drought, pruning can exacerbate the issue. In July, it’s important to let these plants recover on their own. Pruning can remove vital foliage needed for photosynthesis, weakening the plant further. Instead, focus on watering and mulching to help them cope with the conditions. Did you know? Some plants, like succulents, have evolved in arid climates, storing water to endure dry spells. Understanding the needs of stressed plants ensures they survive and thrive, even under challenging conditions.