Roses are a staple of British gardens. They come in many styles, shapes, sizes, and colors, making them one of the most beloved garden flowers.
As the UK heads into a mostly overcast and grey season, adding color to your garden can significantly brighten your outdoor space. Although roses often have a reputation for being difficult to grow, any gardener can make them thrive with proper care and maintenance.
With attention and routine care, even beginners can nurture healthy rose bushes. One of the most important aspects of rose care is pruning, which must be done at the correct time for optimal results. Pruning too early or too late can lead to a lack of blooms, according to Express.
Gardening expert Lindsey Chastain, founder of The Waddle and Cluck blog, recommends September as the best month to prune climbing roses. She suggests gardeners remove weak or dead stems and trim vigorous climbers to about six feet. “This helps stimulate the growth of basal shoots, which will produce the best flowers next year,” Lindsey explains. It is also crucial to leave strong stems untrimmed and to sterilize pruning shears between cuts to avoid spreading plant diseases.
Lindsey points out that other plants also need attention in September, especially perennials. She advises gardeners to cut back perennials that have finished blooming for the season. Using pruning shears, trim plants such as catmint, bee balm, and coral bells to about one-third of their height. This will tidy them up for winter and prevent self-seeding. However, she cautions against pruning any perennials that are still flowering into autumn.
Another important September task is to trim bushes and shrubs, such as spirea and potentilla. Lindsey recommends removing about one-quarter to one-third of the oldest branches down to the ground to encourage new growth. Make cuts just above strong, healthy buds or side shoots. Properly thinning out overgrown shrubs improves air circulation and allows more sunlight to reach the plants.
By following these pruning tips, gardeners can ensure that their roses and other plants flourish in the upcoming seasons.
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