Don't prune now: February

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 definitely 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 February

Lavender (Lavandula)

Pruning now could cause frost damage or even lead to plant loss.

Learn more about the Pruning Lavender

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. Wait to prune until the risk of frost has passed.

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 sooty mold and scab.

Learn more about the Pruning Prunus (stone fruits)

Less hardy and exotic plants

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

Garden hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

It’s best to wait another month before cutting off the spent flowers. They protect the young buds right below them from frost damage almost immediately. This also prevents younger shoots from freezing.

Early-blooming clematis

You should not prune early-blooming clematis varieties right now. This will prevent you from cutting off the blooms. In addition, many early-blooming clematis varieties require very little pruning. Examples of early-blooming clematis (Pruning Group 1) include Clematis montana, Clematis armandii, Clematis ‘Early Sensation,’ Clematis cirrhosa, Clematis macrophylla, and Clematis alpina. Prune these varieties after flowering, if necessary.

Shrub Roses

Although shrub roses are often pruned early, it’s better to wait another month before doing so. March is a good time to do this. This way, you’ll prevent frost damage and other problems. It’s okay if you end up cutting back some of the new growth. Your roses will still bloom well this year and develop into beautiful, sturdy plants.

Learn more about Pruning Shrub Roses

Early-blooming shrubs and trees

If you prune early-blooming shrubs and trees now, you'll cut off the blooms. Examples include camellias, magnolias, forsythias, and Ribes sanguineum.