Hi, I pruned my Paul's Scarlett climbing rose plant in Autumn and it has a few buds growing on the main stem. The Gardeners world web page says to prune in April. Is this correct? Should I prune again in Spring? Thanks Catie
Well I wouldn't prune it in April.... you have 2 choices really.... this is a rose that has a big main flush in June/July, we see it everywhere as it's so popular... what I used to do was to prune it immediately after that main flush, removing all the flowered wood, but by doing so it rarely flowered again that summer but I didn't mind it that way, it was my preference. If you don't prune it after flowering, but keep all the growth intact, then you will likely get a rebloom in September, albeit not as floriferous but usually more desirable for the gardener. It's that type of rose...
So then I would prune it in October or November, clearing away the flowered side shoots only, and shortening any lengths to keep in bounds only....but essentially keeping the desired framework which has become established....
Should you notice any deadwood in March then you could take out those bits at feeding time, but no way would I prune in April as you would likely remove shoots that would flower in June...
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Well I wouldn't prune it in April.... you have 2 choices really.... this is a rose that has a big main flush in June/July, we see it everywhere as it's so popular... what I used to do was to prune it immediately after that main flush, removing all the flowered wood, but by doing so it rarely flowered again that summer but I didn't mind it that way, it was my preference. If you don't prune it after flowering, but keep all the growth intact, then you will likely get a rebloom in September, albeit not as floriferous but usually more desirable for the gardener. It's that type of rose...
So then I would prune it in October or November, clearing away the flowered side shoots only, and shortening any lengths to keep in bounds only....but essentially keeping the desired framework which has become established....
Should you notice any deadwood in March then you could take out those bits at feeding time, but no way would I prune in April as you would likely remove shoots that would flower in June...
I agree with Marlorena - prune late autumn in the way described and give a feed in March.
If you get confused by main growth and side shoots the information and video here explain it clearly http://paulzimmermanroses.com/care/pruning/pruning-climbing-roses/
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.