Pruning in February: What to Cut Back Before Spring
February is one of the best months for pruning in the UK. Many plants are still dormant, but spring growth is just around the corner — making this the perfect window to shape, tidy, and rejuvenate.
What to prune in February
- Roses (hybrid teas, floribundas, shrub roses)
- Deciduous shrubs (budleia, dogwood, willow)
- Fruit trees like apples and pears (avoid stone fruit)
- Climbers such as wisteria (winter prune now)
What not to prune yet
- Spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, lilac, camellia)
- Lavender (wait until growth starts)
- Evergreen hedges unless lightly tidying
Why February pruning matters
- Encourages strong, healthy new growth
- Improves airflow and shape
- Reduces disease and pest problems later in the year
Unsure what needs pruning and what should wait? Project Garden offers expert pruning tailored to your garden and plants.
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