Pruning is an important task to perform throughout the year, but there are certain plants that should not be pruned in winter.
11:33, Tue, Dec 9, 2025 Updated: 11:34, Tue, Dec 9, 2025
Garden plants to never prune in December or risk no blooms in spring (Image: Getty)
Pruning not only helps to improve the flowering of a plant but also the aesthetics of your garden. It should be done at specific times throughout the year, typically when the plant is dormant, depending on the variety.
According to an expert, there are certain plants which shouldn’t be pruned in winter. Hamid Ali, a seasoned landscape gardener and horticulture expert at Airtasker, said: “You should avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia, lilac and flowering currant.
“For example, if you prune them, the sensitive cut part of the plant will be exposed to harsh climate, which would provide unfavourable conditions to grow.
“This could then result in death from cutting it. Pruning these plants in winter can remove flower buds that have already formed, reduce or eliminate blooms for the coming spring.”
According to the expert, it’s best to wait until after they flower, usually in late spring or early summer, before pruning.
Similarly, the gardener also recommended avoiding pruning evergreens unless necessary, as they can be susceptible to cold damage.
The expert continued: “You can cut back specific plants in winter, but it’s mostly for maintenance and tidying up.”
When to prune plants (Image: EXPRESS)
Suitable tasks include cutting back dead or damaged growth, especially on herbaceous perennials or deciduous shrubs, for example, roses.
You can also prune dormant trees like apple or pear trees or maple, as long as it’s not too cold to shape them or remove damaged wood.
Gardeners should also clear away old, decaying leaves from plants such as hostas or sedums to prevent disease.
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The expert noted: “However, avoid cutting back plants that are dormant or those with early spring blooms, like forsythia, to preserve flower buds.”
Other winter jobs include planting certain seeds for spring growth, aerating the lawn and tidying up the patio.