Four plants to prune in September for healthy growth and even a 'second flush' of flowers

Pruning throughout the year is a crucial gardening job as it can help promote new growth and even a second flowering. The aim is to remove dead, diseased, and damaged branches and stems, which will also help improve the look of the plant and shrub. Pruning is easy, taking just a few minutes, and it can result in months of flowering.

There are lots of gardening jobs to do throughout September, including fertilising the lawn, planting spring-flowering bulbs and pruning. Pruning buddleia, evergreen hedges and honeysuckle is recommended this month.

Buddleia

In summer and autumn, gardeners can prune buddleia, also known as the butterfly bush.

Whilst it is best pruned in the spring, it can be given a haircut in the autumn months by removing withered flowers and deadheading.

Start by removing flowers before the seeds form, as this prevents summer lilac from spreading.

Deadhead faded flowers back to a pair of strong shoots to help the plant look tidier and encourage "a second flush of flowers", noted the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Evergreen hedges

The RHS said: "Trim fast-growing hedges like leylandii to prepare them for winter. Cut hedges slightly narrower at the top than the bottom to prevent snow damage and shading."

When the hedge is young, remove about half of the new growth each year until it reaches the desired height.

"Wear gloves, goggles, and possible ear defenders when using powered hedge trimmers. Avoid using powered tools above shoulder height." If unable to cut safely, make sure to consult a professional."

Honeysuckle

Prune honeysuckle in mid-to-late summer after it has finished flowering. For early-flowering varieties, you can cut back the flowered shoots by about one-third in late summer.

Make sure to remove diseased, damaged or dead stems. If the plant is overgrown, you can cut it back by about one-third.

Ornamental trees

Trees such as acers and sorbus provide beautiful colour in the garden as flower beds and borders begin to fade.

Once the leaves have fallen, gardeners should prune them whilst they are dormant, often in autumn.