Winter Prune Climbing Roses
Whether you have a coastal garden in Southerndown or a sheltered spot in Cowbridge, pruning at the right time here in South Wales is key to healthy, vibrant climbing roses.
In the Welsh climate—known for its "refreshing" rainfall and “occasional” Atlantic gales—correct pruning isn't just about aesthetics; it's about protecting your plants from wind-rock and fungal diseases like blackspot.
✂️ When to Prune Climbing Roses in South Wales
Timing in South Wales can vary slightly depending on your altitude and proximity to the coast:
Late Winter (January/February): This is the goldilocks zone when roses are at their most dormant.
Pruning later, particularly as the weather warms, can shock the plant and may delay flowering.
Mid-Autumn (October/November): For taller shrub roses in windy Welsh spots, a "light trim" (reducing height by about a third) prevents wind-rock, where strong gusts loosen the roots in the sodden winter soil.
💛 The Golden Rules of Rose Pruning
Before you start, ensure your secateurs are sharp and clean to prevent tearing the stems.
Train first, prune second. The key to successful pruning is understanding how climbing roses flower.
A climber trained straight up will often flower mainly at the top, with fewer flowering side shoots lower down. But when long main stems are trained outwards and tied closer to horizontal, your climbing rose produces many more flowering side shoots along the stem.
Where possible, aim to fan stems out and tie them in place. Longer stems can be pulled down to around 45 degrees or more, and ideally nearer horizontal where the structure allows it.
This training is what encourages flowers from lower down, rather than only at the top.
🌹Year 1 and 2: Establish the Framework
In the first year after flowering, and usually through the second year as well, a climbing or rambling rose is still establishing its roots and building the main framework. At this stage, pruning is light.
🍃Year Three & Beyond
By year three, the rose is beginning to form a fuller plant on its support. The approach remains much the same, but you now have more choice in shaping.
Beyond year three, continue pruning each winter as before.
👍A Final Tip
Dispose of everything in your garden waste bags, not your compost heap.
👩🌾Looking After Your Garden, So You Don’t Have To
As you age, gardening can become harder to manage but your love for your garden doesn’t have to fade.
If you value integrity, authenticity and exceptional care in your garden, please do get in touch.
Stay warm,
Holly x
