By Connie Doyle, Master Gardener UF | IFAS
For many homeowners, pruning can feel intimidating. The fear of cutting the wrong branch or damaging a beloved plant often leads to hesitation, but February is actually one of the best months to prune in Northeast Florida. With plants still in winter dormancy and spring growth just around the corner, thoughtful pruning now can lead to healthier plants and better blooms later in the season.
In our Ponte Vedra landscapes, many shrubs and perennials benefit from a February haircut. Roses, for example, respond beautifully to pruning this time of year. Removing old canes and opening up the center of the plant improves air circulation and encourages strong new growth. Other warm-season plants such as firebush, beautyberry, lantana and hibiscus can also be cut back now to remove cold damage and shape the plant before new growth begins. You may notice some branches that appear brown or brittle after winter cold snaps; these can be safely removed, as they will not recover.
That said, not everything in the garden should be pruned in February. Spring-flowering shrubs such as azaleas, camellias and gardenias have already set their buds, and pruning them now would mean cutting off this year’s blooms. These plants are best pruned immediately after flowering, giving them time to set new buds for the next year. When in doubt, it’s helpful to remember a simple rule: if it blooms in spring, wait until after it flowers to prune.
When pruning, it’s important to make clean cuts using sharp, well-maintained tools. Cutting just above a leaf node or branch junction helps the plant heal more efficiently and reduces the risk of disease. Avoid excessive pruning, as removing too much at once can stress the plant. A good guideline is to remove no more than one-third of a plant’s growth during a single pruning session.
Pruning is not about perfection; it’s about improving plant health and encouraging natural growth. Even experienced gardeners make the occasional imperfect cut, and plants are remarkably forgiving. By taking advantage of February’s mild temperatures and slower growth cycle, you’re giving your landscape a strong start before the heat and humidity of spring and summer arrive.
With a little confidence and a pair of clean pruners, February pruning becomes less about fear and more about opportunity. The thoughtful cuts you make now will be rewarded with fuller plants, stronger growth and a more vibrant garden in the months ahead.
From my garden to yours, keep growing.
Connie Doyle writes The Good Earth, a gardening column inspired by a lifelong passion for plants, nature, and the peaceful rhythm of the garden. With more time in retirement, she has been inspired to take that passion to the next level — learning, growing, and sharing with others in our community by way of earning her Master Gardener Certification. Connie can be reached by email to mail@floridanewsline.com.
