Monty Don names plants that need a 'simple shear' in September to grow back 'packed with flowers'

To begin preparing for the months of autumn, gardeners should get ahead on key tasks like pruning.

The advice comes from Monty Don, whose essential gardening tips for September were shared in his monthly blog.

The gardener: “As always in the garden, many jobs roll over from month to month, be it weeding, deadheading or mowing the grass.

“Above all, continue to deadhead daily, cutting back spent blooms to the next left, even if that means taking off quite a long length of the stem.”

This is particularly important for certain varieties of shrubs that will benefit from a good trim at any time this month.

Monty Don said: “I know that some gardeners are anxious about pruning roses but the many shrub varieties such as the gallicas, 'English' roses, albas, or Hybrid Perpetuals are best simply trimmed with shears any time this month.

“Do not worry about the position or angle of the cuts but clip away all long, straggly shoots as though you were trimming a hedge.”

The expert recommended leaving a compact, slightly domed bush that is about two thirds of its former size.

He continued: “In March, when you can see clearly without any foliage, you can inspect the shrub to remove any damaged or rubbing stems, but a simple shear in September is enough to keep it healthy and packed with flowers next year.”

Pruning rose shrubs is an excellent way to maintain an attractive display and promote more vigorous growth among plants.

Removing dead and damaged wood is a good way to prevent the spread of disease too.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Roses: September job rewards gardeners with tonnes of 'flower-bearing' shoots
• 'I used a tool to help my monstera grow - its leaves are now bigger than ever'
• Houseplants: Help your snake plants thrive and last for years with a 'key' care tip

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, most varieties only need light pruning.

The exact details of their needs depend on whether the shrubs flower once or more throughout the summer.

The gardening body explained: "Shrub roses are a large and diverse group of roses.

"They are usually larger than modern bush roses and have thornier stems, often with scented flowers."