Flower Garden - February

Prune deciduous trees and shrubs that have become too big or misshapen. First, cut out all dead or crossing branches back to a joint. Make sure you use loppers or a pruning saw that are big enough to cut cleanly. If the plant is too big it is better to prune lightly rather than drastically as the harder you prune the stronger the growth. After pruning feed the plants with J Arthur Bower’s Fish Blood & Bone and mulch with homemade compost or New Horizon Mulch & Mix. For more information about pruning, see our Green Fingers Guide
Hardy evergreens such as mahonia, viburnum and laurel that have become too large can also be pruned now if the weather is mild. Don’t be tempted to prune tender evergreens yet. Always feed and mulch after pruning.
Late-flowering shrubs such as buddleia, lavatera and caryopteris can be hard-pruned if the weather is mild. Cut them almost to ground level leaving just two of three buds on each stem. Don’t worry if this seems drastic – these shrubs flower best on new growth. Don’t forget to feed and mulch.
Start to prune clematis now. For more help read our Green Fingers Guide Clematis fall into one of three basic pruning groups: Group 1 - Spring-flowering such as montanas and alpines; Group 2 - Early summer large-flowered and double hybrids; and Group 3 - those flowering after midsummer. The ones that need pruning now fall into the last two groups, so check first which varieties you’ve got. For the Group 3 plants, it’s very easy – just cut them down low – 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) above soil level is fine. Don’t worry if your clematis has already started to grow. It’ll soon recover. It’s best to cut just above a bud. Group 2 clematis are a bit more tricky as they flower on both old and new growth. You need to trim of any dead or damaged growth then cut back to a strong pair of buds. Don’t cut right back. Don’t prune Group 1 clematis or you’ll get no flowers at all. After pruning, feed with J Arthur Bower’s Fish Blood & Bone or New Horizon Organic Poultry Manure then mulch with New Horizon Mulch & Mix or J Arthur Bower’s Composted Bark.
Continue planting bare root trees, shrubs, roses, hedging and fruit trees when weather allows. See our Planting Guide for further tips.
Plant container-grown plants if weather allows. Always water the plant thoroughly before planting and water in well once planted. See Planting Guide for further tips.
Trim winter-flowering heathers with shears, cutting back to the base of the flower stalks. Feed with an all purpose plant food, water and mulch with J Arthur Bower’s Composted Bark.
Split clumps of overcrowded snowdrops by digging them up and gently teasing the bulbs apart. Replant in groups of five using a trowelful of Mulch & Mix plus a little Bone Meal in each planting hole.
Cut back ornamental grasses that were not trimmed in November. Most can be cut back to about 10cm. (4 inches) above ground level.
Feed established plants with an organic plant food such as New Horizon Organic Poultry Manure or J Arthur Bower’s Fish Blood & Bone. Fork into the soil. See our Feeding tips for more information.

Flower Garden - February

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