Pruning is one of the biggest gardening jobs to carry out in November as many plants enter dormancy due to the cooler weather.

However, not all plants are suitable for pruning at this time. Some plants need to be cut at different times or you risk subjecting them to damage or disease.

Before getting out your pruning secateurs it’s always best just to make sure specific plants are suitable for autumn pruning. 

Also, ensure you are using sharp and clean garden tools to help make the job easier and also protect the health of your plants. 

Using dirty or blunt tools is a common pruning mistake, along with the likes of pruning at the wrong time and cutting too much out, which has the potential to cause long-term damage.

Plants to prune in November 

1. Roses 

Gardening pro Blerta Morina at Trade Warehouse noted that it’s time to give roses that “final cut” before winter, taking them down by about a third to tidy them up. 

She instructed: “Snip any spindly or dead branches (the ‘stragglers’, if you will), and make each cut at an angle so rainwater doesn’t sit on the ends. 

“Think of it as a winter haircut – nothing too dramatic, just enough to keep them looking fresh!”

2. Hydrangeas 

For smooth and panicle hydrangeas, November pruning helps them “bloom their best come spring”. 

Trim each stem by about half, stopping at a nice healthy bud. Just ensure you’re pruning the right type, otherwise it’s like cutting bangs on a whim. Blerta warned: “The wrong hydrangea variety won’t forgive you come spring.”

3. Wisteria 

Wisteria can get a little wild, so a November trim helps “keep it in line”. Cut back those long, wandering shoots to about five to six buds from the main branches. 

The expert pointed out: “This keeps it from taking over the garden (or the neighbour’s yard) and gives it a bloom boost for next year.”

4. Apple trees

Late autumn is “prime time” to help apple trees get their act together for next season. Remove any crisscrossing or crowding branches, plus dead wood that takes up space. 

The goal? An airy, open shape that lets sunlight in and “keeps those branches from competing like siblings at the dinner table”.

Blerta added: “These pre-winter cuts will set up your plants to look fabulous when spring rolls around.”