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Top Plants for February Pruning
Certain plants benefit significantly from February pruning. This section highlights twelve plants that should be pruned during this month to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms in the coming seasons.
1. Roses: Encouraging New Growth
Roses are best pruned in February when they are still dormant. This timing helps to stimulate vigorous new growth and abundant flowering. Cut back to outward-facing buds to open up the center of the plant, which improves air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
2. Fruit Trees: Enhancing Fruit Production
Pruning fruit trees in February helps to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage the growth of new fruiting wood. Focus on removing any crossing branches and thinning the canopy to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree.
3. Hydrangeas: Promoting Bloom Health
For hydrangeas, February pruning depends on the type. For those that bloom on new wood, such as ‘Annabelle’ and ‘Limelight’, cut back the stems to about a foot from the ground. This encourages strong new growth and larger blooms.
4. Clematis: Ensuring Vigorous Flowering
Clematis varieties that bloom on new wood should be pruned in February. Cut back all stems to about 12 inches above the ground. This encourages new growth and ensures a spectacular display of flowers later in the season.
5. Grapevines: Improving Fruit Quality
Pruning grapevines in February is crucial for controlling their growth and improving fruit quality. Remove up to 90% of the previous year’s growth, leaving only a few buds per cane. This focuses the plant’s energy on producing high-quality grapes.
6. Wisteria: Controlling Aggressive Growth
Wisteria can become unruly if not pruned regularly. In February, cut back the long shoots from the previous year to just two or three buds. This keeps the plant manageable and encourages flowering.
7. Butterfly Bush: Maintaining Shape and Size
Prune butterfly bushes in February to maintain their shape and size. Cut back the previous year’s growth to about 12 inches from the ground. This encourages a bushy growth habit and more prolific flowering.
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