Anyone who owns these 9 plants urged to do one job in February

Gardeners are being urged to take action this month to keep their plants healthy and encourage strong growth. 

Experts say February is a key time for pruning, with certain plants needing a trim before the weather warms up. 

Whether it’s fruit bushes, climbers, or ornamental grasses, cutting them back now can ensure they thrive in the months ahead.

The experts at Homes and Gardens advised that pruning at this time of year helps plants maintain their shape, improves air circulation, and encourages new growth. However, they also warned that gardeners should wait until the risk of frost has passed before cutting back certain plants.

Among the plants that should be pruned in February are blackcurrants, which produce fruit mainly on two and three-year-old wood. Older stems lose their productivity, so removing about a third of the oldest branches can boost fruit production. 

Clematis should also be cut back this month, but only summer-flowering varieties. Group 2 clematis should be pruned gently, while Group 3 plants need a harder trim.

Deciduous ornamental grasses should also be tackled now. Cutting them back to around four inches from the ground will make space for new shoots to grow. 

The same applies to fall-fruiting raspberries, which should be cut down to ground level to encourage strong new canes. Gardeners are also advised to fertilise the soil after pruning.

Grapevines should be trimmed carefully during dormancy, as pruning too late can cause the plant to bleed sap. The best approach is to cut back all side shoots to two or three buds. 

Meanwhile, ivy can quickly get out of control if left unchecked. It should be trimmed away from walls, windows, and gutters to stop it from spreading too aggressively.

Roses also require attention in February. Dead or damaged stems should be removed, along with any weak or crossing branches. Pruning up to a third of the remaining stems will help keep the plant in good shape. 

Russian sage is another plant that benefits from an early-year trim. Cutting back the stems to around 10 to 14 inches ensures a stronger, more upright plant with better flower coverage.

Finally, wisteria should be pruned now to keep its vigorous growth in check. Cutting back last summer’s shoots to two or three buds will encourage a fuller display of flowers. Removing any dead or unwanted branches will also help the plant look its best.

Full list of plants to prune in February:

1. Blackcurrants
2. Clematis (summer-flowering varieties)
3. Deciduous grasses
4. Fall-fruiting raspberries
5. Grapes
6. Ivy
7. Roses
8. Russian sage
9. Wisteria