June Prune
Pruning needs in June can vary depending on plant types and their growth patterns. Here are a few examples of plants that may benefit from pruning during June:
Roses
Many varieties of roses benefit from regular pruning to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. In June, you can remove spent blooms by cutting just above a healthy leaf set or a bud facing outward.
Spring-Flowering Shrubs
Shrubs that bloom in spring, such as lilacs (Syringa), forsythias (Forsythia), magnolias and cistus are typically pruned immediately after they finish flowering. However, if you missed pruning them earlier in the spring, June can still be an appropriate time to tidy up their shape or remove any dead or damaged branches.
Fruit Trees
June is a suitable time to perform maintenance pruning on fruit trees. Remove any suckers, water sprouts, or dead branches. Additionally, thinning out excess fruit may be necessary to improve overall fruit quality and prevent branches from becoming overloaded.
Evergreen Shrubs
If you have evergreen shrubs that have become overgrown or need shaping, you can lightly prune them in June. Be cautious not to remove too much foliage, as it may stress the plants during the hotter months.
Herbaceous Perennials
Some herbaceous perennials benefit from a mid-summer pruning to encourage new growth and extend the blooming season. Examples include salvias, catmints, and nepetas. Cut back the spent flower stalks or trim back the whole plant by one-third to one-half to stimulate fresh growth.
If you’re not sure if you should be pruning a particular plant this month, give us a call or pop in, we’re happy to help!