Gardening Calendar
Gardening Calendar
JANUARY
January is when climbers, shrubs and trees are leafless and in their dormant period and one of the best gardening months for pruning any garden subjects that could cause problems during winter storms and high winds. Wisteria is a good example of a climber that can be pruned now. After flowering the previous season and given a summer pruning it produces long wispy new growths that need to be controlled by cutting back. Either summer or winter pruning and whichever plant or shrub you are pruning the first step is to remove any dead or damaged branches.
JANUARY
January is when climbers, shrubs and trees are leafless and in their dormant period and one of the best gardening months for pruning any garden subjects that could cause problems during winter storms and high winds. Wisteria is a good example of a climber that can be pruned now. After flowering the previous season and given a summer pruning it produces long wispy new growths that need to be controlled by cutting back. Either summer or winter pruning and whichever plant or shrub you are pruning the first step is to remove any dead or damaged branches.
JANUARY
January is when climbers, shrubs and trees are leafless and in their dormant period and one of the best gardening months for pruning any garden subjects that could cause problems during winter storms and high winds. Wisteria is a good example of a climber that can be pruned now. After flowering the previous season and given a summer pruning it produces long wispy new growths that need to be controlled by cutting back. Either summer or winter pruning and whichever plant or shrub you are pruning the first step is to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Pruning Wisteria
Branches that are growing in the wrong place or have become too long can be removed throughout the growing season (April - September).
​
Rejuvenation pruning
If a climbing plant has become too big, it can be rejuvenated by pruning in stages. In the case of wisteria, this should preferably be done after flowering in June to July. In the first year, cut through or pull up one or more of the main branches at the base of the plant. If all the branches are tangled together, it is best to wait a few days after cutting the main branches. You will then be able to see which branches are dying and will not remove the wrong branches by mistake. The main branches are often so thick that normal secateurs are not powerful enough. Use hedge clippers to ensure that the pruning wound is as smooth as possible.
The plant will start to grow again in spring. New shoots at the base will develop into stems. As soon as these grow to a reasonable size, you can continue thinning out the main branches as described above.
This can be repeated every year or every two years, according to your preference.