October is the ideal time to prune climbing roses growing on fences, according to Monty Don, the gardener known for presenting Gardener's World. Carrying out this simple task now can help the flowers grow back more impressively next year.
On his website, Monty said: "Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now. Rambling roses on the other hand produce their flowers on shoots grown the previous summer so should only be pruned immediately after flowering."
Why pruning in October helps roses thrive
Pruning climbing roses may look intimidating, but it need not be complicated. When climbing roses are correctly pruned, the plant spends less energy on dying blooms and conserves its strength, making it far more likely to produce more vigorous flowers during its next growing season.
Taking the time to prune now also removes any withering or damaged stems, which can deter pests and lower the risk of fungal diseases common in autumn. It can also prevent climbing roses from becoming knotted and difficult to manage over winter, saving effort when cutting them back the following year.
How to prune climbing roses in October
Begin by removing any stems that appear damaged or those crossing one another, as these risk becoming overgrown. If the stems show a green interior when cut, this indicates healthy growth and should be left untouched. Remove any weak or spindly stems unlikely to support large blooms, then shape the plant to encourage air circulation and allow sunlight to reach every part.
Monty said: "The main stems should be fanned out at an equidistance as horizontally as possible, tying them to wires or a trellis.
"Then all the side shoots growing from these main stems - which produced this year's flowers - can be reduced to a short stub of a couple of leaves.
"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."
Once pruning is complete, clear away any fallen leaves or stems, as decaying foliage can draw pests into the garden. The task takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the plant, and will help climbing roses weather the winter and reward gardeners with larger, healthier blooms in the new year.
