The gardening guru has shared his wisdom with Brits urging them to get out in their gardens this month to prune climbing roses for a best display next year
Gardeners, it’s time to grab your secateurs and gloves because October is the prime month for pruning, especially when it comes to climbing roses.
Monty Don, the nation’s favourite gardening expert, has been dishing out his top tips for ensuring a spectacular floral display come next year while avoiding the perils of winter damage.
The Gardners’ World presenter emphasised the importance of this seasonal task, explaining that without regular attention, climbing roses can turn into a chaotic tangle with sparse flowering.
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Although it might seem a bit overwhelming, pruning is actually quite simple if you follow his guidance. The seasoned horticulturist advises: “Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now.”
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Before you start snipping away, Monty highlights the necessity of wearing gloves and eye protection to keep safe from thorns.
When it comes to the actual pruning, Monty suggests starting by removing any branches that are damaged or crossing over each other, as well as cutting back old wood, which he says can be “pruned right back” to the base, reports the Express.
He then shares the secret to success: arranging the main stems horizontally in an even fashion, attaching them securely to wires or a trellis. Following that, Monty says to cut back the current season’s flowering side shoots to just a handful of leaves.
Wrapping up his advice, He offers a final 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 is a vital gardening technique that not only keeps your outdoor space looking its best but also encourages healthy plant growth and helps to keep pests at bay.
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, pruning can also be used to promote the natural shape and resilience of your plants.
Before you start pruning, it’s essential to understand the specific needs of your plants. For example, climbing roses may need to be pruned now, while rambling roses can wait until after they’ve finished flowering.
According to Monty: “Rambling roses on the other hand produce their flowers on shoots grown the previous summer so should only be pruned immediately after flowering.”
If you’re unsure about when to prune your roses, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a helpful tip: pay attention to when they bloom.
The experts at the RHS explain: “Climbing rose will repeat-flower almost all summer and well into autumn, while a rambling rose usually flowers only once, normally around June.”
