Today, we’re talking about a critical task for UK gardeners in November—pruning shrubs. This time of year, many shrubs are heading into dormancy, making it the perfect time to prune and prepare them for the colder months ahead. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s talk shrubs!
Why Prune in November?
First, let’s cover why November is an ideal time to prune certain shrubs. As the temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, most shrubs stop actively growing. Pruning during this period helps manage their size, encourages healthier growth in the spring, and prevents damage from winter winds or frost.
But keep in mind—pruning isn’t just about cutting back growth. It’s also about shaping the plant, removing diseased or dead wood, and improving airflow. With these key goals in mind, let’s dig into the types of shrubs you should focus on pruning this month.
Key Shrubs to Prune in November
1. Roses (Rosa):
First up, let’s talk about roses, specifically bush roses like hybrid teas and floribundas. November is perfect for reducing their height to prevent wind damage. Cut back dead wood and thin out weak stems. Remember, the idea is to shape the plant and give it a fresh start come spring. Your roses will thank you with bigger and healthier blooms next year.
For climbing roses, pruning can also be done now by removing any tangled growth and thinning older wood. Just make sure to tie in the main stems securely to protect them from winter winds.
2. Lavender (Lavandula):
Now, who doesn’t love lavender? Its soothing fragrance and lovely purple blooms are garden favourites. In November, trim back the flowering stems and reshape the plant, but avoid cutting into old wood. Lavender can get leggy if not pruned correctly, so this is your chance to keep it compact.
If your lavender has grown particularly large, you might even consider replacing old, woody plants after a few years to keep your garden fresh and vibrant.
3. Hydrangeas:
Hydrangeas are another plant that benefits from a light prune before winter. You want to focus on Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens by cutting back the stems by about a third. Mophead hydrangeas, on the other hand, should only have their dead flowers removed now to avoid cutting into next year’s blooms.
By pruning in November, you’re ensuring that your hydrangeas have plenty of energy to bounce back with strong new growth and stunning flowers.
4. Fuchsia:
Hardy fuchsias can get unruly if left unchecked, and a quick prune in November will keep them neat and encourage fresh growth in the spring. You’ll want to remove spindly or weak growth, cut back the flowering stems, and keep the plant’s shape tidy.
Tender fuchsias can also be pruned now, but if you’re growing them in pots, it’s best to move them indoors or into a greenhouse for the winter.
5. Buddleia (Buddleja):
Buddleias are fast growers, known for attracting butterflies. They can become quite large, so cutting back the flowering stems by half in November will prevent damage from winter winds. This is just a light prune; you’ll want to do a harder prune in early spring to encourage an abundance of flowers.
By keeping Buddleia in check now, you’ll help the plant avoid becoming leggy and ensure a fuller, healthier shrub next year.
6. Mahonia:
Mahonia’s spiky leaves and yellow winter blooms make it a standout in the colder months. After flowering, give it a light trim to control its size and shape. By doing this, you’ll also encourage bushier growth. Mahonias can get quite large if left unattended, so a regular annual prune is essential.
7. Cotoneaster:
Cotoneasters are popular for their berries, which add great winter interest. A quick prune in November helps to control their shape. Focus on removing dead wood and thinning overcrowded branches. The berries will provide a beautiful splash of color throughout winter, and by trimming back excess growth now, you’ll ensure the plant maintains its shape into the new year.
8. Spirea (Spiraea):
If you’ve got summer-flowering Spirea, November is the perfect time to tidy it up. These shrubs often become dense, so cut back old wood and remove spent flowers. This will open up the plant and allow more sunlight to reach the base, ensuring a healthier bloom next summer.
Bonus Shrubs to Consider
There are a few other shrubs you might want to consider for November pruning:
• Philadelphus (Mock Orange): If you didn’t prune this fragrant shrub earlier in the year after it flowered, now is a good time to cut it back. Remove old stems to keep it in check.
• Weigela: This one should be pruned lightly if you didn’t manage it in summer. Trim away any leggy or dead growth, but avoid cutting back too hard, as it flowers on last year’s wood.
November Pruning Tips
Before you grab your secateurs, here are a few essential pruning tips:
• Sharp tools are a must. Dull tools can crush stems and increase the risk of disease. Make sure your pruning shears and loppers are cleaned and sharpened before use.
• Avoid pruning during frost. Pruning when it’s frosty can harm your plants. Look for mild, dry days to do your pruning.
• Don’t over-prune. While it’s tempting to tidy up aggressively, remember that some plants need their foliage or stems to help protect them over winter. Light pruning is often all that’s needed in November.
• Compost your clippings. If the plant material you’ve pruned is disease-free, add it to your compost heap. It’s a great way to reduce waste and enrich your soil.
November is an essential month for gardeners to prepare their shrubs for the coming winter months. With thoughtful pruning now, you’ll not only tidy your garden but also set the stage for vigorous new growth in spring. So, whether it’s your roses, lavender, or hydrangeas, a little attention now will pay off next year with healthier, more robust shrubs.
