WITH the danger of frosts hopefully past, it’s time to cut back tender shrubs such as penstemon, caryopteris and hardy fuchsias, according to Royal Horticultural Society advice.

Prune deciduous magnolias once the plant is in full leaf. If this is done in winter, when the tree is dormant, dieback can occur, and pruning in late winter or spring can result in bleeding. Midsummer is therefore recommended.

Clip evergreen hedges such as privet and box if needed. If they are not too woody, shredded clippings can be added to the compost heap.

Thin out new shoots on trees and shrubs that were pruned in winter to stimulate growth. Remove crossing stems and prevent overcrowding of new growth.

Prune out any remaining frost damage from affected evergreen shrubs.

Prune early summer flowering shrubs such after they have finished flowering. If this job is left too late, the new growth put on after pruning may not have sufficient ripening time to flower well next year.

Rhododendrons can be lightly pruned after flowering. More severe pruning should wait until the following early spring.

Prune overcrowded, dead or diseased stems of clematis once it has finished flowering. Untangling the stems can be fiddly, but once you can see where you are cutting, you need not worry about pruning this plant.

Young mimosa trees can be cut back once all risk of frost has passed. Mature trees respond less well to hard pruning.

Prune wall-trained pyracanthas, removing any shoots coming out from the wall, and shortening other new growth to about 8cm (3in). This encourages spur formation, and increased flowering relative to green growth.

Remove any reverted green shoots on hardy variegated evergreens, to prevent reversion taking over.

Twining climbers, such as honeysuckle and clematis, need regular tying in and twining around their supports.

Tie in climbing and rambling roses as near to horizontal as possible. This will restrict sap flow causing more side-shoots to grow along the length of stem. Therefore more flowers will be produced.

In wet areas, you can still plant containerised trees and shrubs.