Monty Don says popular plant needs to be 'pruned right now'

As the year comes to a close, British gardening enthusiasts are busy completing essential tasks before winter arrives. There's a variety of jobs on the list – from protecting plants and laying mulch, to planting bulbs and collecting seeds.

But one crucial task that should not be missed this month is pruning. Monty Don, the green-fingered expert and TV presenter, has highlighted a specific plant that requires immediate attention to be "pruned hard now".

Sharing his horticultural expertise on his blog, Monty advises: "Prune climbing roses. Climbing roses flower on shoots grown the same spring so they can be pruned hard now."

Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp

Proper pruning of climbing roses involves removing dead and wilting branches to make room for healthy new growth. It's important for gardeners to prune during the dormant phase of the climbing rose to concentrate the plant's energy on producing new flowers.

Additionally, cutting back long shoots helps prevent damage. The Royal Horticultural Society, a reliable source, also states that climbing roses can be pruned during the cold months from December to February, as reported by the Express, reports the Mirror.

When doing so, the RHS recommends starting by removing any dead, diseased, or decaying branches. Then, secure new shoots and cut back side shoots that have flowered by two-thirds.

They further highlight the importance of pruning correctly: "If the plant is heavily congested, cut out any really old branches from the base to promote new growth."

When pruning, aim to cut above a bud facing the direction you want the new stem to grow towards. Renowned gardener Monty Don advised, as stated in Express.co.uk: "The effect should be a tracery of largely horizontal growth with pruned side-shoots running along their length."

He also stressed: "Finally make sure it is all tied firmly in to avoid winter damage."