This is what you can prune in July (and this is what you can't)

It's summer, and thanks to your hard work earlier this year, the garden is in full bloom. But if you think there's nothing left to do, you're wrong! Pruning in July can make your garden even more beautiful. So grab your pruning shears and get started.

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Around midsummer, the fresh spring green has given way to darker shades and tougher leaves. In very dry conditions, the young growth of many perennials wilts. To ensure less moisture evaporation, you can reduce the leaf surface area by pruning the shoots back by two-thirds. Otherwise, leave plants undisturbed as much as possible during dry periods.

It's best to postpone pruning not only during dry weather, but also during very wet weather. Fungal diseases spread more easily in wet, cool conditions, so after a period of heavy rain, wait for calmer weather before picking up the pruning shears.

Perennials that bloom in spring and early summer can start to look a bit untidy afterward. Therefore, prune back spent stems to the base and carefully trim away dead leaves. If you're lucky, the plant might even bloom again later in the summer!

Bridal flower: After flowering, in late May, the bridal flower ( Deutzia ) produces strong new stems. Therefore, prune back three to five of the thickest old stems to the base and remove weak growth.
Rhododendron: Cut back spent rhododendron flowers to just above a leaf. For older plants, remove two to three branches from the crown to further improve air circulation.
Weigela: Keep weigela ( Weigela ) in shape by removing stems that are too close together. Also prune the longest, oldest flower stems. Apply the same method to pruning orange ( Philadelphus ) .
Fruit trees: If it's very dry, help your fruit trees by reducing their leaf surface area to reduce moisture evaporation. You can do this by pruning this season's shoots back to just above the bottom two buds. This way, the plant conserves energy for ripening the fruit.

Columbine: Remove vertical stems and yellowing leaves. Don't forget to harvest the seeds!
Shoemaker's plant: Cut off the old, outer leaves and flower stems.
Spring sunflower ( Doronicum ): Remove old flower stems and yellowing leaves.
Lady's Mantle: Cut away the dead flowers and oldest leaves from the lady's mantle .

If you prune these plants now, you'll be cutting off their flowers or fruit. So, it's best to leave these plants alone:

Hydrangea: If you prune hydrangeas now, you'll be cutting off any flowers that have yet to bloom. Don't prune again until next spring. See the article on pruning hydrangeas for more information.
Autumn raspberries: These should have been pruned during the dormant period. All new shoots appearing now will bear flowers and fruit in September and October.