Rose expert Paul Zimmerman gets plenty of questions from confused gardeners on how to prune climbing roses.
Before the rose pruning season gets underway, Paul explains one essential item you need to know to make pruning less stressful.
What’s the essential? It’s more than picking the best Rose Fertilizer. It knows the difference between laterals (side shoots) and main canes. Imagine yourself looking at a tree with all the leaves off when looking at your climbing rose.
The primary canes are structural, supporting part of the climbing rose, and the laterals grow off them.
Related: Learn How Two Rose Growing Experts Care For Their Roses
Main Canes
Main canes (think trunks) provide structure and should not be pruned back hard. Two to three or many “trunks” are found at the base or bottom foot of the plant. These “trunks” grow upwards to full height and are thick and vigorous.
The Laterals or Side Shoots
The laterals (think branches off the trunk) are the thinner side shoots with more foliage growing off the main canes, often bearing buds. Prune laterals all you want. After a big flush of blooms is a perfect time.
Related: More Planting Space for Climbing Roses
Prune Like A Tree Surgeon
Tree surgeons always trim branches and leave the trunks and the structural tree parts intact. Do the same with your climbing roses, and you’ll be fine.
Understanding the difference between main canes and laterals will make pruning and shaping your climbing rose much easier. Also, don’t forget a good pair of rose-pruning gloves to start the season off.
Source: Fine Gardening