Pruning and training Rambling Roses
Pruning and Training Rambling Roses: A Henry Street Nursery Guide
Rambling roses bring a wild, romantic charm to any garden, producing abundant clusters of flowers in summer. To keep them healthy and encourage vigorous growth, proper pruning and training are essential. At Henry Street Nursery, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Why Prune and Train Rambling Roses?
Pruning and training help rambling roses maintain their shape, produce more flowers, and stay healthy. Training involves tying the canes to a support system, while pruning removes dead or weak growth and encourages fresh blooms. Together, these practices allow rambling roses to thrive and cover structures beautifully.
When to Prune Rambling Roses
The best time to prune rambling roses is late summer, just after flowering. Unlike climbing roses, which bloom on new growth, ramblers flower on the previous year’s wood, so pruning immediately after flowering ensures a strong display for the next season.
Tools You’ll Need
- Clean, sharp pruning shears
- Gardening gloves for protection
- Twine or plant ties
- A sturdy support structure, such as an arch, fence, or pergola
How to Prune Rambling Roses
1. Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: Start by cutting away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve plant health and prevent disease spread.
2. Thin Out Old Growth: Identify and remove older, woody stems that no longer produce strong flowering shoots. This makes room for vigorous new growth. Often these are branches that are over 5 years old.
3. Shorten Flowering Laterals: Trim side shoots (laterals) back to about 4–6 inches, keeping a few buds on each to encourage fresh blooms.
4. Tidy Excess Growth: If the plant is becoming too dense, thin out some of the weaker stems to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
Training Rambling Roses
Training of Rambling roses can be done twice a year, once after flowering along with the main pruning of the rose and again in the winter to tie in any fresh growth the rose has produced through the remaining summer but be sure if doing work in the winter not to prune any wood as this will reduce the number of flowers
1. Secure Canes: Gently tie the canes to your support structure using soft twine or plant ties. Avoid tying too tightly to allow for growth and movement.
2. Encourage Horizontal Growth: Rambling roses naturally produce long, flexible canes that can be trained horizontally or in loops to encourage more flowering along the stems. Follow the diagram below showing the principles of pruning and training branches of roses. This work is primarily done at the end of flowering in the summer each year.
3. Regular Maintenance: Check ties regularly and adjust them to accommodate new growth. Remove any suckers growing from the rootstock to keep the rose strong.
Tips for Success
- Minimal Pruning Required: Rambling roses require less pruning than climbing roses, but thinning out old wood regularly helps maintain a healthy structure.
- Feed and Mulch: After pruning, apply a rose-specific fertilizer and a layer of mulch to support strong regrowth.
- Inspect Regularly: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, treating them promptly to keep your roses healthy.
With proper pruning and training, rambling roses can create a stunning, natural display in your garden. For more tips, tools, and expert advice, visit us at Henry Street Nursery. We’re here to help you cultivate a garden full of beauty and charm!