A cut above the rest

TO TIDY UP A PLANT OR NOT - HANNAH STEPHENSON CHATS TO AN EXPERT TO FIND AN EASY GUIDE TO LATE SUMMER PRUNING

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IT'S at this time of year, when early perennials are spent, shrubs seem to have gone out of shape and hedges are looking wayward, that you may feel the urge to give your secateurs and shears an airing.

But what pruning should you be doing at this time of year, and are certain plants better left alone?

PRUNE SPRING-FLOWERING SHRUBS

"Prune the last of those shrubs that flowered in spring, such as philadelphus, ribes and forsythia," says Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturist.

"Cut out a proportion of the stuff that has flowered. You are cutting out the most flowering stems as low down on the plant as you can, typically taking out one stem in three."

CUT BACK EARLIER FLOWERING PERENNIALS

"Early flowering perennials often get mildew and you can cut them back as hard as you like, give them a good water and they will regrow and often flower again in September.

"Other perennials like hardy geraniums can be cut back now, and although they won't flower again this year, they will produce nice fresh green leaves."

PRUNE EVERGREEN SHRUBS