Monty Don shares which plant needs to be ‘pruned hard now’ to ‘promote growth’

As the year comes to a close, many Britons will be completing certain gardening tasks now before the winter season begins.

From protecting plants to mulching, and planting bulbs to collecting seeds, there’s plenty to be done in the garden now.

One task that should not be ignored this month is pruning. Gardening expert and TV presenter Monty Don has shared which plant has to be “pruned hard now”.

Monty shared the tip on his gardening blog. He said: “Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now.”

Pruning climbing roses involves removing dead and dying branches which then creates space for new growth.

READ MORE: Three plants to prune now for ‘healthy regrowth and vibrant blooms’ next spring

Monty Don shares tips for pruning roses

Gardeners need to prune climbing roses during the plant’s non-flowering season so the plant can direct all its energy into producing new blooms.

Pruning and shortening long shoots also prevents them from being damaged.

Climbing roses can also be pruned in winter between December and February, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

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When pruning climbing roses, the RHS recommends first removing dead, diseased or dying branches.

Next, tie in new shoots and prune flowered site shoots by two-thirds.

The RHS added: “If the plant is heavily congested, cut out any really old branches from the base to promote new growth.”

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Gardeners need to prune climbing roses just above a bud that points in their preferred direction for new stem growth.

Monty said: “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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