July

Managing Trees and Shrubs in July

Roses

Continue deadheading roses, to keep them neat, trim and flowering. Cut back any stems without buds showing on them by about half their length. Feed them with a good, general fertilizer to encourage a continuation of flower buds. Blackspot and mildew can be troublesome, in which case spray with a suitable fungicide as soon as the problem arises.

Propagating shrubs by layering

Although propagating shrubs by layering is often done in spring it can also be done in early summer, if you did not have the time earlier. It only takes a few minutes to set-up but the actual root formation can take a year or more. If you have not had much luck propagating a plant by cuttings then the layering method could be more productive. For details see our section on Propagating Plants by Layering.

Summer Pruning

Summer pruning of shrubs that have finished flowering is an ongoing process, the exact timing of which depends on the weather. Mock orange, (Philadelphus) can be pruned now, together with Weigela, the beauty bush (Kolkwitzia) and any deutzias that have finished flowering. Cut out old flowered shoots back to a strong new shoot, and take the opportunity to cut out any crowded, old wood completely.

Wisterias will also need keeping in check, if they are not to take over your garden. Cut back the long, thin side growths to about leaves from the main stems. Hedges, especially quick growing ones, such as privet will need clipping back this month, and the slower growing hedges, such as yew (Taxus) can have a once over.

Check for weeds growing along the bottom of hedges at the same time and remove any growth on variegated hedges that has reverted back to the original colours. Cut the reverted branches right back to the base, or they will inevitably take over from their weaker, variegated neighbours.

Continue taking cuttings from shrubs you want more of.

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