Pruning rambling roses at the right time is essential to keep them healthy and manageable. If neglected for several years, these roses can grow excessively, leading to a wild, unkempt appearance. While this may have a certain charm in a cottage garden or when draped over a mature tree, regular pruning is necessary to prevent them from becoming overwhelming.
As summer ends and the rose petals begin to fall, it’s time to start thinking about pruning. Proper pruning at the right time not only keeps the roses looking tidy but also encourages healthy growth and ensures plenty of blooms in the following year.
As an experienced gardener in both the UK and Italy, I’ve worked with many types of roses, including shrub, miniature, floribunda, and rambling varieties. In my experience, a flourishing display of roses during summer is one of the most rewarding sights in gardening. However, the success of these blooms depends on proper care, particularly pruning. Below, I share tips on how to prune rambling roses effectively.
How to Prune Rambling Roses
Though often mistaken for climbing roses, rambling roses differ in that they bloom only once a year, typically between June and August. Rambling roses thrive in a range of climates, from U.S. hardiness zones 5 to 10, and need six hours or more of sunlight. They are known for their vigorous growth, making annual pruning essential to keep them in check.
When to Prune Rambling Roses
The best time to prune rambling roses is after they finish flowering, usually in late summer to early fall. Pruning too early or too late can damage the plant and reduce next year’s blooms. For light maintenance, such as trimming a few stems or tidying the plant, prune between September and November. If your rose needs significant restoration, it’s best to wait until fall or winter, when the leaves have dropped, making pruning easier.
Unlike climbing roses, which are pruned in winter or early spring, rambling roses should be pruned soon after flowering. This ensures the new growth, which will bear next year’s flowers, isn’t affected.
If you’ve planted a young or newly established rambling rose, there’s no need to prune it for the first two years. Allow the plant to grow freely during this time as it establishes its roots. For older roses, however, annual pruning is essential to maintain their shape and health.
For larger, well-established plants, heavy pruning is best done in December. By this time, the foliage has fallen, making the task easier. Additionally, leaving the rose hips, which appear after flowering, provides food for wildlife during the colder months.
Tools You’ll Need
Pruning rambling roses requires the right tools. For larger plants, a sturdy ladder may be necessary. Telescopic ladders are a good option, as they can be easily stored. For thicker stems, heavy-duty loppers or a pruning saw will be needed. Japanese pruners, known for their sharpness and precision, are an excellent choice. Lastly, a pair of thorn-resistant gardening gloves will protect your hands from scratches.
Routine Pruning Steps
Before pruning, take a moment to observe your rose and decide on the shape you want it to take. Once you have a clear plan, follow these steps:
1. Cut back any damaged, broken, or diseased stems down to the base or a healthy leaf node.
2. Remove remaining leaves and trim side shoots to about six inches, leaving one or two leaf nodes on each.
3. Tie in the thicker stems to guide the plant’s shape. Use garden twine to secure these stems.
4. Remove any weak growth, especially stems smaller than a pencil. This helps reduce congestion and encourages new growth in spring.
5. Dispose of all rose stems and leaves in a garden waste bag, and compost healthy material if desired.
Reviving Old and Overgrown Rambling Roses
If you’re dealing with an older, neglected rambling rose, serious pruning should take place in December or January. Once the leaves have fallen, it becomes easier to see what needs trimming. Pruning old rambling roses may feel harsh, but it is necessary to encourage healthy growth and prevent damage from heavy, woody stems.
To begin, select three to seven healthy old stems to keep and cut all others to the base. For thicker stems, you may need a pruning saw. Reduce the height of the remaining stems and remove any dead or diseased wood. Trim side shoots on the remaining stems by half to encourage new growth.
After pruning, tie the remaining branches into place. This could be onto a structure, tree, or simply into a fan shape for an aesthetic winter display.
When Is It Too Late to Prune Rambling Roses?
Rambling roses bloom on new growth, so pruning after mid-winter can reduce next year’s flower production. Pruning beyond January or February may disrupt the plant’s preparation for spring. To avoid this, aim to complete pruning before January.
After pruning, it’s a good idea to mulch the area around your roses. This feeds the soil, improves its quality, and nourishes the plants, often eliminating the need for additional fertilizing later on.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your rambling roses remain healthy, manageable, and full of blooms for the coming season.