December
In The Flower Garden In December
Start your pruning! Wisteria, climbing roses, acers, and vines can all be pruned this month.
Cut back the summer side-shoots to 2 or 3 buds on your wisteria.
Remove diseased or damaged growth on climbing roses, and tie new shoots in to their supports.
Acers and vines should be pruned now as they will bleed sap if done any later.
Leave faded flower heads on your hydrangeas until spring. This provides frost protection to buds further down the stems.
Move bedding planters or containers of shrubs into a spot sheltered from the cold weather.
This Month's Key Tips
- Leave faded flower heads on your hydrangeas until spring. This provides frost protection to buds further down the stems.
- Remove any yellowing leaves from your winter brassicas, then cover them over with netting to protect them from pigeons.
- Leave a shallow container of water at ground level. Wildlife other than birds need a drink!
- Now is the perfect time to prune your fruit trees! Pruning encourages quality fruit production.
- Protect poinsettias from cold draughts (they really don't like them) and allow them to dry out slightly between waterings. This should make them last all through the Christmas period and into January.
