Monty Don shares 1 plant that must be pruned in October to avoid winter damage

Monty Don has shared his expert advice on pruning a plant in October to encourage a spectacular flowering display next year and to prevent winter damageMonty Don gave a key piece of advice for October(Image: BBC Studios)

Monty Don, the horticultural expert, has shared his wisdom with gardeners, urging them to get out into their gardens this October to prune climbing roses. He says that this will result in stunning flowering next year and help prevent winter damage.

Without regular pruning, he warns that climbing roses can become a messy tangle with few flowers. Despite the task seeming daunting, Monty reassures gardeners that it’s actually quite straightforward with his simple advice.

He explained: “Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring, so they can be pruned hard now.”

Before embarking on the task, he stresses the importance of wearing gloves and protective eyewear.

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, reports the Express.

Make sure climbing roses are all tied firmly in to avoid winter damage(Image: Getty)

The key, according to Monty, 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 concludes 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 certain 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.

Beyond moulding foliage for aesthetic pleasure, pruning wards off pesky pests and boosts the natural shape and robust health of your plant life.

Monty Don shares 1 common plant that must be ‘pruned hard now’ to ‘avoid winter damage'(Image: Getty)

Crucially, before snipping away, gardeners should get to know their roses – climbers might need attention now, but ramblers can hold on.

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 handy tip to avoid confusion – they say it’s all about when the blooms appear.

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.”