Winter Care for Climbing Roses

As the winter season approaches, it’s time to focus on the essential practice of pruning climbing roses, usually done between December and February after the blooms have faded. Unlike some rose varieties, climbing roses are not self-clinging; they require support like trellises or horizontal wires for optimal growth.

In my garden, I cultivate climbing roses over an archway and a fence, allowing them to create stunning vertical displays. These plants are incredibly vigorous, as evidenced by my Shropshire Lad, which completely covered my arch in just three years. Now, I’m tasked with managing its growth to prevent it from becoming too unruly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how I prune my climbing roses effectively:

– Begin by removing all foliage to gain clarity on the structure of the plant. It’s much easier to see what needs to be done when the leaves are gone.
– Cut away any dead, diseased, or dying branches to maintain the health of the plant.
– Tie new shoots to the support structure as needed for proper growth.
– For side shoots that have flowered, trim them back by two-thirds to encourage new blooms.
– If you notice heavy congestion, eliminate older branches from the base to stimulate fresh growth. Typically, these older branches are thick enough that a pruning saw might be required.
– Carefully saw away dead stumps at the base of the plant to prevent moisture accumulation, which can lead to rot.
– Don’t worry about over-pruning; climbing roses are robust and can rebound even if you cut them back significantly.
– To limit the risk of diseases, remove fallen rose leaves from the ground and dispose of them properly. It’s best not to compost them, as they can harbor disease spores.
– In spring, give your pruned roses a nourishing boost with a granular rose fertilizer, like David Austin rose food, and cover the soil with a 5 cm (2 inch) layer of compost or well-rotted manure.

Additionally, consider training rose branches horizontally against a wall or fence. This technique encourages upward growth in the spring, leading to an exquisite flower display.

With these pruning tips, your climbing roses will be well cared for during the winter months, preparing them for a stunning bloom when spring arrives! 🌼🌿