Roses produce beautiful, delicate flowers in pastel pinks and reds (Image: Getty)
There is nothing quite like a bush in full bloom. They produce beautiful, delicate in pastel pinks and reds and fill your with a sweet scent.
However, to get your roses to this point, they require careful care, with some tasks needing to be completed in winter.
One key task gardeners need to do this month is for stunning roses later in the year.
Leigh Barnes, a garden expert from , has shared his advice for February, which includes pruning fruit trees, roses, and late-flowering shrubs.
Mr Barnes exclusively told Express.co.uk that pruning is important in February because plants are largely dormant, which means they are easier to shape and manage.
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Cutting back unruly and overgrown plants will also ensure they look more appealing (Image: Getty)
He continued: “Start by removing any dead or damaged branches from trees, shrubs, and bushes, particularly those near fences and pathways. This not only improves their appearance but also encourages healthy new growth in spring.
“Fruit trees, roses, and late-flowering shrubs benefit from strategic pruning now, ensuring they flourish in the coming months.”
Pruning plants and removing any excess growth will improve their airflow and help prevent disease.
Cutting back unruly and overgrown plants will also ensure they look more appealing while maintaining a good structure.
Mark Dwelly, head gardener at , has shared some techniques gardeners can use during winter to prune their plants.
He said: “Winter is an excellent time for structural pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs, as the lack of foliage makes it easier to see the plant’s framework.
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Proper pruning is crucial for plant health and productivity (Image: Getty)
“For many plants, a gentle pruning approach is best in winter. This involves removing crossing, dead, or diseased branches and shortening the previous year’s growth by about a third.”
Mr Dwelly said gardeners should make cuts just above a bud when they’re pruning in winter. Ideally, the bud will point in the direction you want the new growth to develop.
It’s important gardeners use sharp, clean tools to make smooth cuts, as this helps prevent disease and promotes faster healing. The head gardener warned that it is best to avoid pruning plants during extremely cold weather or when there is likely to be a frost as this can cause plants to “dieback”.
“Remember, proper pruning is crucial for plant health and productivity,” he added.
“When in doubt, it’s often better to wait until spring or summer rather than risk damaging your plants with ill-timed winter pruning.”