Horticultural expert Monty Don has advised gardeners to prune climbing roses this October, a task that helps ensure a vibrant display next year. Climbing roses bloom on shoots grown in the same spring, so they can be cut back severely now without harming next season's flowers.
How to prune climbing roses
Monty Don's October 2024 gardening guidance recommends starting by removing any damaged or crossing growth, as well as very old wood, which can be pruned right back to the ground. The main stems should then be fanned out horizontally and tied to wires or a trellis.
Side shoots that produced this year's flowers can be reduced to a short stub of a couple of leaves. The result should be a tracery of largely horizontal growth with pruned side-shoots along its length. Finally, ensure everything is tied firmly to avoid winter damage.
Don't confuse climbers with ramblers
Before pruning, gardeners must determine whether they have a climbing or rambling rose, as the two differ in flowering habits. Rambling roses bloom on shoots from the previous summer, so they should be pruned after flowering, not in October like climbers.
If unsure of the variety, check its flowering pattern before making significant cuts.
October checklist for climbing roses
- Remove damaged or crossing growth
- Cut out very old wood to ground level where possible
- Spread main stems horizontally
- Tie main stems securely to wires or a trellis
- Shorten flowering side shoots to a couple of leaves
- Check everything is firmly secured before winter
