Essential garden plants you must prune now for a ‘fresh burst of growth’ in spring

Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at , told Express.co.uk: “As the winter chill sets in, it’s time to don the gardening gloves for one of the most crucial tasks in the gardener calendar, pruning.

“While the rest of the garden takes a well-deserved rest, this is the perfect opportunity to shape and prepare your plants for the upcoming spring.

“From the cascading beauty of wisteria to the classic elegance of roses, each plant requires a unique touch.

“Here are my top tips on pruning a selection of garden staples, ensuring they not only survive but thrive in the coming seasons.”

1. Grape vines

According to the expert, January is a great time to prune grape vines, popular for their fruit and ornamental value in gardens.

Proper pruning of grape vines is “essential” for good fruit production and vine health.

The expert said: “To maintain your grape vines in the winter, you will want to prune last year’s growth back to one or two buds from the base, which will help to regulate the plant’s size, improve air circulation, and increase sun exposure to the remaining buds for better fruit quality.

“Once you have done this, remove any dead wood or growth that appears weak or diseased to keep the vine healthy and ensure productive fruiting.”

2. Apple and pear trees

As well as grape vines, apple and pear trees also need to be pruned to provide an abundance of fruit.

The gardening pro noted: “When pruning fruit trees you will need to open up the canopy, removing any crossing, rubbing, or inward-growing branches.

“This allows for improved light penetration and airflow, both of which are essential for healthy fruit production.

“Follow this by reducing the length of new growth by about a third to a bud facing the direction you want the branch to grow. This will help to shape the tree and encourage the development of fruiting spurs.”

3. Ornamental grasses

Craig continued: “Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to the garden, especially in the winter months. Cutting them back in late winter will make way for fresh, new growth in spring without sacrificing the winter interest they bring to your back garden.”

“Cut back deciduous grasses to within a few inches of the ground in late winter, this tidies up the plant and makes ample room for new growth in the spring without detracting from its winter interest.

“Ensure that you remove any dead foliage and clean up the base of the plant to maintain its appearance and health, thus preparing it for a fresh burst of growth as the weather warms.”