How to Prune Climbing Roses

Pruning roses is something that needs to be done every year. This is going to ensure you do not have overgrowth, an overwhelming of your support system, and a high number of overgrown snares. The roses will thank you with a fresher and lusher looking foliage growth with more flowers.

Roses like to climb pillars, trellis, fences, posts, and even walls but can quickly overwhelm the areas in just a few short years of not pruned on a regular basis. Pruning will keep your yard and home looking nice.

How to Prune

One- There is a limit to how much weight your chosen support system will hold. Keep your roses pruned back enough so you do not damage the structure. You want to decorate the support, not cover it up totally.

Two- The rose bush can only grow so far before it comes into contact with something else outside. If you have your roses growing on your wall keep them trimmed to occupy only that one wall, do not let them wander into other areas or cover windows.

Three- Remember to check your roses carefully for damaged and diseased branches. Remove these to make sure your roses will be healthy and grow quickly.

Four- Prune the rose bush in the mid to late winter months. This will encourage a lot of late flowers on the new branches that grow instead of blooming twice; once on the old branches in early spring and once on the new branches in late summer.

Five- Cut the branches flat and flush with the rest of the branch or about ¼ inch above the buds. Also, prune any branches that did not give you flower growth.

Six- If you have any rose bush branches that are growing away from your support structure be sure to trim them or remove them from the plant. This will just help keep your roses from overgrowing your yard.

Seven- Preview your work as you go. Make sure to walk back and see how your roses are shaping up. You do not want to make and cutting mistakes.

Eight- Use proper gardening shears and gloves at all times. Gardening safety is important to remember so no one gets hurt.

Nine- If your roses need help staying in place use plastic ties as your added support. Try not to use ties that are metal or plastic coated metal because they will not bend and move as your rose bush grows.