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What to prune (and what to leave) in your garden this May
Many gardeners are heading outdoors in May to tidy up borders, tackle overgrowth and prepare their gardens for the months ahead, but one common mistake at this time of year could have a lasting impact on next year’s flowering.
Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall and Horticultural Advisor to Platinum Spas, says “May is one of the most misunderstood months in the gardening calendar. It is the best time to start pruning back spring-flowering shrubs, but it has to be done carefully.”
Plants such as ribes (flowering currant), forsythia, spiraea and choisya can all be cut back now - but only lightly.
Noah says, “start by deadheading spent flowers, then prune around a third of the older woody stems. This keeps the plant healthy without overdoing it.
He also warns gardeners not to ignore damage caused by late frosts or strong winds.
Noah says, “It’s a good time to check plants for frost or wind damage and remove any dead or broken branches.”
Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener
May is the time to cut back tender perennials and varigated shrubs
Once frost risk has passed, May is also the right time to cut back tender perennials such as penstemons, fuchsias and salvias.
Noah says, “these plants respond really well to a cut back after frost risk has gone. It encourages strong new growth and better flowering later in the season. I also reccomend trimming any unusually long or “leggy” stems, cutting back to a bud to encourage more controlled growth.”
“I also advise gardeners to remove any reverted growth on variegated shrubs to maintain their colour and structure. It’s a simple job, but it keeps plants looking their best.”
Climbing plants benefit from early-summer care
Noah says, “As honeysuckle grows, tie in new stems and keep deadheading to extend flowering. Try tying stems in horizontally to encourage more flowering shoots and reduce wind damage.”
“It’s also important to check anything growing against walls - fruit trees, roses or climbers - and gently untuck stems that may have slipped behind wires. Doing it now is much easier while growth is still soft.”
Rhododendrons and wisteria timing
Rhododendrons are at their peak in May, but once flowering finishes, they should be deadheaded and lightly pruned.
Noah says, “Removing spent flower buds helps the plant put energy into next year’s blooms instead of seed production. Wisteria also needs attention after flowering.”
“Once it has finished blooming, deadhead and shorten long shoots to encourage flowering spurs. If you’re still training it, now is the perfect time to tie in new growth.”
Noah also issues a wildlife warning
Despite the urge to tidy gardens, May is peak nesting season - and gardeners are being urged to take extra care.
Noah says, “Always check for nests before pruning. Avoid any major hedge cutting or heavy pruning until September.”
“You’d be surprised how hidden nests can be. Even in small gardens, I’ve found birds nesting in the most unexpected places.”
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy an active bird’s nest.
For more seasonal gardening advice, take a look at the
Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall and Horticultural Advisor
