GUIDE
Pruning climbers (general)
5 steps
How to do it
- 1Identify what the plant climbs by (twining, tendrils, self-clinging, or needing tying in) to know how much training versus cutting is needed.
- 2For Clematis, identify the pruning group (1, 2 or 3) before cutting — the groups need opposite treatment.
- 3For most other climbers, prune after flowering unless the plant flowers on current-season growth.
- 4Thin congested growth annually to prevent a tangled mass of growth at the top with bare stems below.
- 5Tie in new growth regularly through the growing season rather than in one big catch-up session.
COMMON MISTAKE
Cutting a climbing rose or wisteria back hard in a single stage, rather than using the renewal or two-stage approach that keeps its flowering wood intact.
Plants that use it
Their calendar has a job that points to this guide.
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Feeding & NPK basicsOverwintering tender plantsMoving plants indoors/outdoors seasonallyStaking & supporting plants