Gardeners should be venturing into their gardens this month to prune climbing roses for a spectacular flowering display next year and to avoid winter damage, according to Monty Don
Horticultural expert Monty Don has shared his wisdom with British gardeners, urging them to get out into their gardens this October to prune climbing roses for a stunning bloom next year and to prevent winter damage.
He explained that without regular pruning, climbing roses can become a messy tangle with few flowers. He reassured gardeners that while the task may seem daunting, it’s actually quite straightforward with his expert advice.
He said: “Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now.” Before embarking on the thorny task, he stressed the importance of wearing gloves and protective eyewear.
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Gardeners should begin by removing any damaged or crossing branches, as well as getting rid of old wood, which Monty says can be “pruned right back” to ground level.
According to Monty, the trick is to position the main stems horizontally and evenly, securing them to wires or trellis. Next, he instructs gardeners to trim this season’s flowering side shoots down to just a few leaves.
Monty concluded with a crucial tip: “The effect should be a tracery of largely horizontal growth with pruned side shoots running along their length. Finally, make sure it is all tied firmly in to avoid winter damage.”
Pruning, the art of trimming and shaping plants by removing selected parts such as branches and buds, is not just about keeping a pristine garden landscape. It also promotes new growth and offers more practical benefits, reports the Express.
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Beyond moulding foliage for aesthetic appeal, pruning wards off pesky pests and fosters the natural shape and robust health of your plant life. Crucially, before snipping away, gardeners should understand their roses – climbers might need attention now, but ramblers can hold on.
Monty said: “Rambling roses on the other hand produce their flowers on shoots grown the previous summer so should only be pruned immediately after flowering.” Meanwhile, experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have a handy tip to avoid confusion – they say it’s all about the timing of the blooms.
The specialists explained: “Climbing rose will repeat-flower almost all summer and well into autumn, while a rambling rose usually flowers only once, normally around June.”