Lots of plants can be pruned in August, including lavender, hydrangeas and tomatoes, but others should be left alone.
Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World, told Express.co.uk: “Some plants which have flowered in spring should never be pruned in August as they make their buds for next spring’s blooms in summer.”
So, if you prune in August, you are taking off next year’s flowers. These plants include rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
“It is also important in summer to make sure they never dry out and give them some dedicated fertiliser, which will also ensure a profusion of blooms next spring.”
Certain early summer flowering shrubs, like philadelphus and deutzia, make their buds the following year in late summer or early autumn.
This means they should not be pruned in August because you may “run the risk” of them not flowering, especially if the weather is warm.
The gardening expert added: “Pruning evergreen shrubs in August can lead to a spurt of new growth, especially if the weather is damp and warm.
“This soft new growth is then susceptible to being caught by any early frosts and may not have time to harden before winter.”
This soft growth could then turn black and look unsightly, severely affecting the new growth in spring, according to the gardening pro.
Another big mistake when it comes to this month includes pruning climbing roses as cutting them could prevent a second flush of blooms.
Instead, it’s advised to wait until the end of October, or early November to give the best chance of flowers.
Angela continued: “Also never prune fruit trees as you leave them open to disease. If the weather is too hot and dry in August, leave any pruning as the plants will be stressed and not be able to cope with the added stress of being cut back.
Instead, focus on the plants that can be pruned unless it is particularly hot weather, including wisteria.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said: “Wisterias can be left to ramble unchecked where space allows but will usually flower more freely and regularly if pruned twice a year.”
Other plants to prune now include lavender, which will help to prevent it from becoming leggy.
