Climbing roses add so much beauty to gardens, don’t they?
If you’re thinking about giving them a trim this summer, here’s what you need to know: giving them a light touch up is better because pruning too much might stop your roses from blooming.
However, that’s not all. Waiting for that perfect moment to prune your roses can make a huge difference. Keep in mind that this varies between repeat bloomers and those that bloom only once a season.
So, should you prune them during summer or wait for the fall?
Stick around to find out!
One-Season Bloomers Should Be Pruned Right After Flowering
Got climbing roses that only bloom once a year in spring? If so, then pruning them might be a bit different from those that repeatedly bloom during the season.
These one-season wonders should be pruned right after they’ve finished blooming in spring.
Since they flower on the wood from last year, waiting too long could mean cutting off next year’s flowers (and we don’t want that).
To keep them in top shape, trim some of the oldest branches and any that are dead or weak.
For the long, healthy branches, just cut them back to a bud (don’t trim them too short!).
These are the ones that will grow new shoots and give you flowers next year. Trim these new shoots to have about four or five leaves each.
Also make sure to guide the long branches horizontally and tie them to a trellis or fence (this will help them grow and produce even more blooms!).
Related: Master The Art Of Cultivating Climbing Roses And Watch Your Outdoor Space Blossom Beyond Limits
Those That Bloom More Than Once A Season Should Be Pruned In The Cold
Got climbing roses that keep blooming all summer? If so, you could use a little gardening wisdom from my own backyard: prune these varieties in late winter or very early spring.
I usually wait to prune them until just before they start to wake up from their winter nap. I once made a mistake and trimmed them in the summer and, of course, I was left with no flowers afterwards!
Pruning in summer can stop them from flowering because they bloom on the new growth from the current season.
Deadheading is the only way to keep them looking great. Just remove the old flowers down to the bud right below them (this keeps the blooms coming!).
When it’s time to prune, I would suggest you start by removing any dead branches and those sneaky suckers that grow below the graft. They suck the energy away from the flowers, so it’s best to get rid of them.
You don’t need to cut the main horizontal branches, but you can trim the side shoots (lateral stems) to just three or four buds each.
If your climbing rose is getting a bit old and not as lively, you can replace some of the old branches with new ones from the base – simply guide them to take the place of the old ones.
You see, timing plays a crucial role when growing climbing roses. I know you want them to reach for the stars, but don’t let them run wild!
If you want your roses to actually have flowers, make sure not to repeat my mistake and prune them in the summer. Follow the right guide and enjoy their abundance afterwards.
This might be helpful: These Are The 12 Best Companion Plants For Roses That Will Keep Them Healthy And Pest-Free