Roses, beloved for their timeless beauty and variety, can be tricky for gardeners to maintain. Yet, with proper care, anyone can ensure their roses flourish. According to Lindsey Chastain, founder of The Waddle and Cluck, September is an ideal time to prune climbing roses to guarantee vibrant blooms next year.
Essential Pruning Tips
Pruning is crucial for the health and appearance of roses. For climbing roses, Chastain advises removing any dead or weak canes and cutting back long shoots to about six feet. This practice encourages the growth of new basal shoots, which will yield the best flowers in the coming year.
When to Prune
The timing of pruning is important. Chastain highlights September as the perfect month for this task. Healthy stems with wide bases should be left intact. Additionally, disinfecting pruning shears between cuts helps prevent disease spread.
Other Plants Benefiting from September Pruning
Besides roses, several other plants benefit from pruning this month. Perennials that have finished flowering should be cut back to about one-third of their height. This includes plants like catmint, bee balm, and coral bells. Pruning these plants tidies them up for winter and prevents unwanted self-seeding. However, avoid pruning perennials that will continue to flower into autumn.
Additional September Tasks
September is also the time to trim bushes and shrubs such as spirea and potentilla, which bloom in spring. Proper thinning of overgrown shrubs improves air circulation and sunlight exposure, promoting healthier growth.
Key Takeaways
Prune Climbing Roses: Remove dead or weak canes, and cut back long shoots to six feet.
Timing: Prune in September for optimal growth next year.
Clean Tools: Disinfect pruning shears to avoid disease.
Perennials: Cut back plants like catmint and bee balm after flowering.
Shrubs: Trim spring bloomers like spirea for better health.
By following these expert tips, gardeners can ensure their roses and other plants thrive, producing beautiful blooms in the future.