I am not sure if it was my own lack of gardening motivation that encouraged me to explain what we don’t need to cut back or prune in the winter! It was, however, pointed out to me, by my own Mum no less, that I would be better helping people decide what should be cut back at this time of year and furthermore, explain to readers how to do it!
That was me told!
So, the plants that you should cut back now in your garden include:
• Climbing plants like clematis and wisteria – in winter prune back all the side shoots just leaving two or three buds.
• Pruning trees and shrubs in the winter is good for young plants. One reason for this is that if the leaves have fallen off it is far easier to see what you are doing and secondly, the sap from the plant is less likely to bleed and cause the plant to shock. So, cutback near the bud (but not too close) diagonally away from the branch and this will protect it from water.
• Roses in Scotland are a bit of a quandary – most books will tell you to cut them back just now. That is fine in the sunnier south, but in Scotland I wouldn’t recommend it. I suggest you do it in March. If you really feel that you must do it, then be sure to only cut back a little as the cold, wet winters we have here could cause them die back!
Happy now Mum? Happy gardening everyone!
PLANT OF THE WEEK: SORBUS PSEUDOHUPEHENSIS ‘PINK PAGODA’ ROWAN TREE
The ‘Pink Pagoda’ is a compact medium-sized deciduous tree which is great for small gardens. It looks especially brilliant at this time of year, giving a wonderful autumnal show of luscious clusters of pink berries and beautiful red and orange coloured leaves.
In the spring it has lovely blue green leaves and white flowers making it a really nice addition to the garden year round.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here