The correct pruning of climbing roses depends on their blooming habits. It is essential to know whether they bloom once or repeatedly each year to determine the proper method. Pruning keeps the roses healthy and prevents chaotic growth.
Quick Overview:
- Once-blooming climbing roses (e.g., Rambler roses): Prune once a year in spring.
- Reblooming climbing roses (e.g., Climbers): Prune twice, in spring and summer after blooming.
Reblooming Climbing Roses:
- Bloom from late May to early July and again from August until frost.
- Grow shorter, stiffer stems that form a framework.
- Prune side shoots in March/April to stimulate new growth and blooms.
Summer pruning tips: Remove wilted blooms above the first healthy leaf to encourage further flowering. After the first bloom in June, prune faded stems back to a healthy bud while retaining young shoots.
Once-Blooming Climbing Roses (Rambler Roses):
- Bloom on last year’s side shoots. Require minimal pruning.
- Let them grow freely to fill their space, tying long stems horizontally.
- After 5–6 years, remove older stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Additional Tips:
- Reblooming roses benefit from careful summer pruning for optimal blooms.
- Once-blooming roses like ‘New Dawn’ or ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ can grow over 10 meters tall, ideal for large spaces.
- For inaccessible plants, let them grow naturally without regular pruning.