Don't prune now: December

For many plants, there is an ideal month or time for pruning. However, it’s usually not a big deal if you deviate from this slightly. Trees, shrubs, and plants are often stronger and more resilient than we think.

However, there are also plants that you shouldn't prune right now…

Below is a list of plants you should avoid pruning this month (and why).

You should NOT prune these plants in December

Lavender (Lavandula)

Pruning at this time of year can cause frost damage or even lead to plant loss.

Learn more about the pruning lavender

Shrubs and trees that bloom on old wood

You should not prune trees and shrubs that bloom on last year's wood right now. Doing so will cause them to lose their blooms. Examples include forsythia, magnolia, currants, and lilacs.

Garden Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

It’s best not to prune hydrangeas in the winter. Not only do you risk losing blooms (macrophylla blooms on old wood), but the withered flowers also protect the buds beneath them from frost damage.

Evergreen hedge plants and shrubs

Evergreen hedge plants and evergreen shrubs should ideally not be pruned after September or October. This helps prevent frost damage and keeps new shoots from freezing.

Ornamental Grasses

Leave your ornamental grasses in place until spring. This way, they remain a food source for insects and other animals, and the dead foliage protects the plants from frost damage. You’ll also prevent the stems from rotting if you prune them back heavily now.

Stone fruits (Prunus)

Pruning stone fruits such as cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, and almonds in the fall or winter can lead to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and scab.

Learn more about the Pruning Prunus (stone fruits)

Exotic and Mediterranean Plants

Pruning in November can make Mediterranean and exotic plants such as palms (Trachycarpus), banana trees (Musa), New Zealand flax (Phormium), agave, and olive trees, pruning in November can make them more susceptible to frost damage or even cause them to die.