How to prune a rambling rose

in Home : Projects: Pruning and training

You will need

Rambling rose
Secateurs
Long-handled loppers

Do it: early July - early August

At its best: June

Takes just: 1 hour per rose (approximately)

Project categories

Overview

Most rambling roses only flower once during the season which means that they can be pruned as soon as they've finished flowering. Cutting out the flowered stems makes space for vigorous new shoots which grow from the base of the plant. These can be tied in ready to flower next season.

How to do it

1Cut back the flowered stems of rambling rose right down to the base of the plant. Alternatively prune back to where a vigorous shoot has emerged.

2Cut through the supporting ties to allow the removal of the pruned flowered shoots. Train in strongest new shoots as they develop throughout the rest of the growing season.

Adam's tip

Wear gloves and protective goggles when pruning rambling roses as most have vicious thorns.

Discuss this project

Talkback: How to prune a rambling rose

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40800 24/11/2011 at 15:28

I also have climbing roses and from your site cant find how to prune them. Others appear to have the same problem. Any chance of your expert giving us some information on this problem,please?

Valdel 24/11/2011 at 15:28

Do I follow the same method fro pruning a climbing rose?

susan16pen 24/11/2011 at 15:28

What about Climbing roses.We're all asking the same..Mine is still in flower and has been for the entire summer,so When please?And could we have a proper close up of exactly where the cut should be made. Hands with secatuers often hide the most important aspect.How about a circle around correct area.Ruth

benchi 24/11/2011 at 15:28

how do you prune climbing roses please! and when!!

FlamingJune 24/11/2011 at 15:28

Do not prune climbing roses at all. Never, ever do this. They don't really need it. I have had a climbing rose for four years and have never pruned it. Also don't dead head. The hips look great and the birds love them. All the books I've ever read on roses say not to prune climbers.

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