rather expensive I think, maybe I will give them another try next year see how they do. Although they are in the best position in my garden for the sun, maybe I will put some more compost round them.
You're right Dan, don't prune them now as the sap is rising and they could bleed to death. Only prune them in early to mid winter, or when they are in full growth (to keep them in check.) I would tie back any untidy stems for this year and prune it properly next December. Be careful not to break any of the stems while tying back or they could bleed if you snap them.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
I have two vines which have been neglected for the last three years due to family illness -from what's been said It would seem the best time to prune back would be December -wouldthis be the best time to cut right back so that it can be retrained on the pergola? And can I trim back now as the pergola is more like a 'cave' at the moment? All advice appreciated.
Hi Dee, yes you can trim much of the tangle back now to regain access to your pergola but do the hard pruning in December. The link to the RHS guide has changed slightly due to recent changes on their site:
What a fantastic thread, i find the personal explainations so much easier to "get" than the propper guides, will be out, secetures in hand come october! Mine havent been pruned in 7 or 8 years so i reckon my garden waste bin will be filled!
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I have never had any flowers? Just loads of leaves and tendrils.
rather expensive I think, maybe I will give them another try next year see how they do. Although they are in the best position in my garden for the sun, maybe I will put some more compost round them.
Am I correct in thinking that pruning now is too late? Another question is do I need to prune or can I just tie back the straggly bits?
You're right Dan, don't prune them now as the sap is rising and they could bleed to death. Only prune them in early to mid winter, or when they are in full growth (to keep them in check.) I would tie back any untidy stems for this year and prune it properly next December. Be careful not to break any of the stems while tying back or they could bleed if you snap them.
Thanks Bob.
I have two vines which have been neglected for the last three years due to family illness -from what's been said It would seem the best time to prune back would be December -wouldthis be the best time to cut right back so that it can be retrained on the pergola? And can I trim back now as the pergola is more like a 'cave' at the moment? All advice appreciated.
Hi Dee, yes you can trim much of the tangle back now to regain access to your pergola but do the hard pruning in December. The link to the RHS guide has changed slightly due to recent changes on their site:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=288
Well worth a read.