What to prune in February?

Depending on your climate and growing zone, these pruning tips may not be applicable, I am based in North Yorkshire, UK, Zone 9a and February in the UK is a time of transition. The days are getting longer, the first signs of spring are on the horizon, and the garden is waking up from its winter slumber. Pruning during this time is a great way to get back out into the garden and prepare your plants for the growing season ahead. If you’re wondering what to prune this month, here’s a guide to help you get your garden ready for spring.

1. Fruit Trees

February is an ideal time to prune fruit trees, such as apples, while they’re still in their dormant state. This ensures you’re encouraging strong, healthy growth for the upcoming season. Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and thin out the centre to allow for better airflow and sunlight. Be cautious not to prune too heavily, as this can lead to excessive new growth that might not be strong enough to support fruit production, or may even stop your apple harvest reaching its full potential. For stone fruits like cherries and plums, it’s best to wait until late spring to prune after the risk of frost has passed and for well established plum trees (over 3 years old) I would wait until mid June.

2. Roses

February is an excellent time to prune your roses in the UK, especially for varieties that bloom in summer. Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut back the remaining growth by about one-third. Aim to prune just above an outward-facing bud to promote healthy, outward growth. If you have climbing or rambling roses, prune them lightly, removing any old wood and shaping them to avoid overgrowth. Be careful with hybrid tea and floribunda roses, as they can be a little more sensitive—prune them more conservatively to avoid shocking the plant.

3. Clematis

Many clematis varieties benefit from pruning in February, especially those that bloom on new wood, such as Clematis viticella and Clematis texensis. Cut the plant back to around 15-30cm above the ground to encourage fresh new growth that will produce beautiful flowers later in the year. However, if you have clematis varieties that bloom on old wood (such as Clematis montana), avoid pruning until after they’ve finished flowering, as cutting back too early can limit blooms. Clematis tend to come in type 1,2 or 3. You should be able to find this information on the plants original 'passport' and its type will refer to how it grows and flowers.

4. Shrubs and Bushes

February is a great time to prune back overgrown shrubs and bushes in the UK. Start by removing any dead or diseased growth to help promote healthy new shoots. For ornamental shrubs like lavender and rosemary, prune lightly to shape them and remove any woody or damaged parts. For shrubs like buddleia, which bloom on new growth, you can prune them back quite hard in February to encourage strong new growth and a better display of flowers in the summer.

5. Evergreen Hedging

Evergreen hedges, such as boxwood, yew, and privet, can be pruned in February to maintain their shape and size before the growing season starts. Trim back any overgrown or leggy areas, and give the hedge a tidy, rounded shape. Be careful not to cut back too far into old wood, as this can prevent new growth. If your hedge has grown too tall, you can also trim it down, but always try to cut back in stages, so as not to shock the plant.

6. Fruit Bushes (Currants, Gooseberries, etc.)

If you have soft fruit bushes like blackcurrants, gooseberries, or raspberries, February is an ideal time to prune them, if you haven't already. For currants and gooseberries, remove any old wood (the stems that are at least 3 years old) and thin out any congested growth. For raspberries, cut back the canes that have already fruited, leaving new growth from the previous season to bear fruit in the coming year. Be sure to remove any weak or diseased stems to encourage healthy new growth.

7. Perennials

While many perennials are still dormant in February, it’s a good time to tidy up and remove any dead stems, leaves, or flowers from last year’s growth. For plants like echinacea, sedum, and phlox, remove any old growth to make space for new shoots to emerge. If you have ornamental grasses, cut them back to the ground to clear space for fresh growth. Just be mindful that some perennials, especially those with more delicate stems, may need to be pruned carefully so as not to damage new growth.

8. Vines and Climbers

Climbers like wisteria can be pruned in February while they’re dormant, helping to promote healthy, abundant growth come spring. For wisteria, prune back any long, whippy shoots to a couple of buds, which will encourage flowers later in the year. 

9. Boxwood and Other Topiary

If you have boxwood or other topiary plants in your garden, February is a good time to prune them. Lightly trim the tops and sides to maintain their shape, but avoid cutting into old wood, as this can prevent regrowth. Topiary plants can become leggy or overgrown, so regular shaping throughout the winter months ensures they stay looking neat and tidy.

Pruning Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Clean your tools: Always sterilise your pruning shears and tools before starting to avoid spreading diseases between plants.
• Don’t over-prune: While it’s important to remove dead or diseased growth, avoid over-pruning your plants, as this can weaken them and encourage excessive growth.
• Check the weather: February can still bring cold snaps or even snow in some parts of the UK, so make sure your pruning work doesn’t expose vulnerable plants to frost damage. If frost is forecast, hold off on pruning until the weather is more stable.
• Know your plants: Not all plants require the same pruning techniques. Make sure you’re familiar with the specific needs of the plants in your garden to avoid cutting them back incorrectly.

Pruning in February is an essential task for UK gardeners, setting the stage for a vibrant and healthy garden in the spring. By taking the time to prune your trees, shrubs, and climbers carefully, you can encourage new growth, shape your plants, and ensure a bountiful garden. Whether you're tending to roses, fruit trees, or ornamental shrubs, these simple pruning tips will help your garden flourish as the weather warms up. Grab your pruning shears, and get ready to enjoy the beauty of your garden as it comes to life this spring!