With summer just around the corner, garden lovers are looking forward to a beautiful display of flowers. But for some plants, a little work is needed now to make that happen. Experts are urging gardeners to prune specific plants this season to ensure they bloom their best during the warmer months.
Pruning is more than just trimming—it helps plants focus their energy on new, healthy growth. It also removes dead, weak, or infected parts, preventing disease and encouraging fuller, brighter flowers. Not all plants need this kind of care, but many do.
Country Living has shared a list of 10 popular plants that benefit from pruning before summer begins. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Ornamental Grass
These decorative grasses add texture and movement to gardens. To keep them looking fresh and vibrant, cut them back by two-thirds before the heat of summer sets in.
2. Panicle Hydrangea
These hydrangeas grow large, fluffy flower heads. Trim them back by about one-third and remove any broken or weak stems. This helps the plant grow stronger and produce more blossoms.
3. Lavender
Lavender thrives with regular pruning. Cut it back by about one-third, but avoid cutting into old wood as it may not regrow. Pruning keeps the plant compact and encourages more fragrant flowers.
4. Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
This fast-growing shrub attracts butterflies but can become overgrown. Cut it back hard in spring, leaving just 30–60 cm of growth above the ground. This promotes dense, colorful blooms in summer.
5. Fuchsia
These delicate flowers bloom on new growth, so it’s best to prune in early summer. Remove any dead or damaged stems and trim to shape the plant. This encourages fresh blooms throughout the season.
6. Penstemon
Prune penstemons in early summer to help them grow more flowers. Cut just above a pair of strong leaves and remove any dead stems. This will keep the plant looking neat and flowering longer.
7. Roses
Most roses need a good trim to stay healthy. Remove any dead, crossing, or weak stems. Cut back to just above a bud that faces outward. This promotes better air flow and larger blooms.
8. Salvia
Salvias benefit from regular cutting back. Prune early in summer by removing faded flower spikes. This will help the plant produce a second flush of blooms.
9. Wisteria
Though often pruned in winter, wisteria should also be trimmed in early summer. Cut back long, whippy shoots to five or six leaves. This controls its shape and encourages more flowers.
10. Hardy Geraniums
These low-growing flowers can be cut back after their first bloom. Trim all the way to the base. This keeps the plant tidy and often triggers a second round of flowering.
Final Tips for a Blooming Summer
Each plant has different needs, so always check what type you have and the best time to prune it. Using clean, sharp tools and cutting at the right angle also helps reduce plant stress and disease risk.
By pruning the right plants now, gardeners can enjoy a more colorful, healthy, and long-lasting garden all summer long.
