Rambler roses transform rose arches, arbors and old trees into a fairytale sea of flowers. The once-blooming climbing roses celebrate their flowering splendor without being dependent on regular pruning. If necessary, a planned pruning ensures order and regulates growth. Read here when and how to properly cut a rambler rose.
Rambler roses are first pruned after four or five years
Prune rambler roses in spring
Frequent reasons for pruning rambler roses are to encourage flowering, encourage new growth from the base and space problems. At least in terms of the right timing, the strong-growing Ranker pulls in the same direction as other roses. The best time is in spring when the forsythia are in bloom.
Cut and thin out the rambler rose
Rambler roses remain undisturbed by the scissors until they are four or five years old, so that the royal blooms can develop optimally. Emerging from wild roses, epic long tendrils with impressive growth power drive straight up from the rootstock into the sky. Once a climbing rose has established itself at the location, the willingness to bloom and vitality benefit from an occasional pruning, which you are welcome to do every year. How to proceed professionally:
- Cut off dead rose tendrils and pull out
- Cut back damaged, stunted tendrils into healthy, strong wood
- Set the rose scissors at a maximum distance of 5 mm from a bud
- Strain overly long shoots onto a lower-lying side shoot
Last year's long shoots are the most valuable resource in a rambler rose's vine network. You should only cut these shoots if it is absolutely necessary. On long branches that flowered in the previous year, cut back the side branches except for two eyes. This applies at least to all reachable shoots. Risky climbing is not worthwhile, because your rambler rose will still bloom magnificently.
Rejuvenate at 7-year intervals
Without an occasional cut, a rambler rose forms an impenetrable thicket. As the weight increases, the sling becomes a safety hazard. It doesn't have to come to that if you plan a radical rejuvenation cut every 7 years. An advantageous side effect is a visible revitalization of the willingness to bloom. How to proceed correctly step by step:
- The best time is in late winter on a frost-free day
- Put on thorn-resistant gloves and clothing and safety goggles
- Cut young, vital tendrils free, detach them from the climbing aid and place them on the ground
- Cut off the remaining rods to the ground, cut into sections and pull out
Once you have thoroughly thinned out the rambler rose, the flexible, young tendrils are attached to the climbing aid or the tree. Thanks to the recommended pruning strategy, this year's flowering period will not fail completely. With a generous helping of compost and a few handfuls of horn shavings (€32.93) you will provide the rejuvenated rambler rose with all the nutrients to drive regrowth.
tips
Are the withered flower clusters of your rambler rose a thorn in your side? Then don't hesitate to clean up the climbing beauties in autumn. Cut off all faded leaves down to the next fully formed leaflet. Please postpone more extensive pruning measures until next spring.