December
In The Flower Garden This December
Start to winter-prune wisteria, cutting back whippy summer side-shoots to 2 or 3 buds.
Leave the faded flower heads on your hydrangeas until spring, as they provide frost protection to the swelling buds further down the stems.
Prune your Japanese maple trees if needed, as they will bleed sap if pruning is done any later.
Plant deciduous, climbing honeysuckle now, but make sure to avoid any frozen or waterlogged ground.
Harvest holly with berries for making Christmas garlands and wreaths. Stand the berry covered twigs in a bucket of water until you’re ready to use them.
Prune climbing roses now, removing diseased or damaged growth and tying in any new shoots to their support. Prune older flowered side shoots back by two thirds of their length.
Take root cuttings of oriental poppies and grow them on in cold frames.
Check climbers and climbing shrubs are securely attached to their supports with ties.
Take hardwood cuttings from suitable trees and shrubs.
Top Tip:
Move containers of shrubs or bedding planters to sheltered spots, clustering them together helps protect the root systems from frost damage.
This Month's Key Tips
- Check your winter protection structures are securely in place.
- Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding.
- Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops.
- Reduce watering of houseplants.
- Insulate outdoor taps amd prevent ponds from freezing.
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