Alan Titchmarsh explains how to correctly prune roses
Pruning involves the selective removal of certain parts of a plant to facilitate better growth.
It can also help to improve the overall look of a garden because there will be fewer messy shrubs and flowers.
Pruning should be done throughout the year, depending on what needs to be pruned, but there are certain shrubs which can be pruned in October.
Climbing roses
Gardening expert Monty Don wrote in his recent blog: “Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now.
“Start by removing any damaged or crossing growth or any very old wood which can be pruned right back to the ground.
READ MORE: Monty Don shares how to make ‘essential’ free mulch for plants in October
“The main stems should be fanned out at an equidistance as horizontally as possible, tying them to wires or a trellis.
“Then all the side shoots growing from these main stems, which produced this year’s flowers, can be reduced to a short stub or a couple of leaves.”
Finally, gardeners should make sure it is all tied firmly in to avoid winter damage. Pruning climbing roses now will enable them to provide “maximum” flowers.
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Parthenocissus
The experts at Crocus said: “Boston ivy and Virginia creeper will need new shoots tying into their supports for the first couple of growing seasons after planting.
“Once established, prune anytime from now until Christmas to keep the plant within bounds, paying particular attention to stems that are encroaching on windows, guttering or roofs.
“Old and neglected plants respond well to severe pruning and can be cut back to plump buds about 1m from the ground at this time of year.”
Buddleja davidii
Buddleja davidii is normally pruned hard in the spring, but gardeners can cut it back by half now, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
This will help neaten the appearance of the shrub as well as prevent wind rock.
Shrubs including Cornus alba and Lavatera can also be pruned half now, and again in spring.
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