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Pruning and cutting back is important if your plants are to give their best display or crop, and to prevent them outgrowing their space. Most woody ornamental plants are best pruned in the dormant season or, if they are spring flowering, as soon

Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to prune an old viburnum, removing sideshoots and woody growth to reinvigorate the plant and encourage flowering.springMore advice on pruning plantsHow to prune shrub rosesAdvice on pruning techniquesHow to summer-prune

Joe Swift demonstrates how to prune back honeysuckle, in the cottage garden at Berryfields.early AprilMore advice on pruning plantsPruning shrub roses video guidePruning viburnum plants, with advice from Chris BeardshawTips on pruning plantsPruning

Joe Swift demonstrates how to prune and take hardwood cuttings from dogwoods.springCreative suggestions for dogwoodCreate a dogwood container displayCreate a winter container displayMake a christmas wreathBrowse dogwood varietiesAdd autumn colour

Pruning roses keeps them in shape and encourages more flower growth and healthier plants. Cut weak shoots right back to promote stronger growth from the base.Rose bushSecateursautumn or spring20 minutesRemove dead shoots and the tips of stems

Learn how to ensure that your buddleja achieves its full flowering potential, in Monty's spring pruning guide.springMore advice on pruningVideo advice on choosing secateurs.Learn effective pruning techniques.Video guide to pruning shrub roses

The cutting back of leaves or branches for four main reasons:1) To remove dead, injured or diseased parts.2) To control or direct growth.3) To improve the yield of flowers or fruit.4) To ensure premium growth conditions by allowing more light and air to reach the centre.

Bacterial canker affects ornamental and edible Prunus species, including cherries, plums and apricots. Monty demonstrates effective techniques for pruning out infected stems, in his practical video guide.spring-summerMore problem-solving advice

Learn how to winter prune gooseberries and redcurrants in Monty's video guide, including advice on achieving the best shape, increasing airflow, promoting new growth and deterring pests such as sawfly.winterMore advice on pruningAdvice on pruning

Winter pruning wisteria encourages the development of short-flowering spurs that carry the flowers in spring. The long vigorous shoots produced on the wisteria need to be cut back at least twice during the year, so you'll need to repeat this pruning