Monty Don shares 1 common plant that must be ‘pruned hard now’ to ‘avoid winter damage’ (Image: Getty)
is one of the many jobs gardeners should be focusing on in October – particularly when it comes to a certain .
has shared his wisdom with British gardeners, urging them to get out in their gardens this month to prune for a blooming display next year and to steer clear of winter damage.
The guru explained that without regular pruning, climbing roses can become an unruly mess with few blooms.
He reassured green-fingered fans that while the task may seem daunting, it’s quite straightforward with his expert advice.
The 69-year-old advised: “Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now.”
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Prune climbing roses hard now (Image: Getty)
Before tackling the thorny task, he stressed the importance of donning gloves and protective eyewear.
Gardeners should begin by cutting away any damaged or crossing branches, as well as removing old wood, which Monty says can be “pruned right back” to ground level.
According to Monty, the key is to arrange the main stems horizontally and evenly, securing them to wires or trellis.
Then, he instructs gardeners to trim this season’s flowering side shoots down to just a few leaves.
Monty concluded 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.”
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Make sure climbing roses are all tied firmly in to avoid winter damage (Image: Getty)
Pruning, the art of trimming and shaping plants by removing select parts such as branches and buds, is not just a matter of maintaining a pristine garden landscape. It also stimulates fresh growth and offers more practical benefits.
Apart from sculpting greenery for aesthetic appeal, pruning wards off pesky pests and promotes the natural form and robust health of your plant life.
Crucially, before snipping away, gardeners should know their roses – climbers might need 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 have a handy tip to avoid confusion – they say it’s all in the timing of the blooms.
The pros explained: “Climbing rose will repeat-flower almost all summer and well into autumn, while a rambling rose usually flowers only once, normally around June.”