Pruning stands as one of the essential tasks gardeners ought to be concentrating on during October- especially regarding a particular plant. Monty Don has imparted his expertise to British gardeners, encouraging them to venture into their gardens this month to trim climbing roses for a spectacular flowering display next year and to avoid winter harm.
The horticultural expert explained that without consistent pruning, climbing roses can transform into a chaotic tangle with few blooms. He assured gardeners that whilst the job might appear intimidating, it’s actually quite simple with his professional guidance. He said: “Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now.”
Prior to undertaking the prickly job, he emphasised the significance of wearing gloves and protective eyewear.
Gardeners should start by removing any damaged or crossing branches, whilst also eliminating old wood, which Monty says can be “pruned right back” to ground level.
According to Monty, the secret lies in positioning the main stems horizontally and uniformly, fastening them to wires or trellis.
Then, he directs gardeners to cut this season’s flowering side shoots down to just a few leaves.
Monty finished with an essential recommendation: “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 craft of trimming and shaping plants by removing selected portions such as branches and buds, is not merely about maintaining an immaculate garden landscape. It also encourages fresh growth and delivers more practical advantages.
Beyond sculpting foliage for visual appeal, pruning deters troublesome pests and encourages the natural form and vigorous health of your plant life.
Importantly, before cutting away, gardeners should understand their roses – climbers might require attention now, but ramblers can wait.
Monty advised: “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 useful tip to prevent confusion – they say it’s all in 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.”
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