How to Train Climbing Roses (mid-season), by Fraser Valley Rose Farm on YouTube. 10 min 58 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 58 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Clear away excess foliage around the base and along the canes so you can see the plant's main framework. Snip out small crowded shoots that block your view.
Look at the long new canes that grew this season. These are the shoots you will keep and train, not cut off.
Make targeted cuts to remove dead, damaged or crossing stems, and any weak growth pointing away from the support. Cut just above a bud.
Untie any old canes that are in the way and gently bend the new long canes toward the support while they are still flexible.
Lay each new cane closer to horizontal rather than letting it run straight up. Fan the canes out so they do not sit on top of each other.
Tie the cane to the support every 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) with soft ties. Leave a little slack so the stem can thicken.
Repeat with the remaining new canes, spreading them across the structure and keeping space between them for airflow.
Check that the ties hold the canes firm but not tight, and trim any leftover stubs or loose growth.
Tips and common mistakes
Train canes while they are still green and bendy; old, woody canes snap easily.
Do not tie canes tight against the support, since the stem needs room to grow.
Bending canes toward horizontal is what pushes flowering shoots out along their length, so avoid letting them shoot straight up.
Questions
When is the best time to train climbing roses?
Mid-season, while the new canes are still flexible, is ideal. You can also adjust ties in late winter before growth starts.
Will bending a cane horizontally damage it?
A gentle bend is fine. Bend slowly and support the cane with your hand; if it creaks or feels stiff, stop and tie it in stages.
Should I cut off the long new canes?
No. Those long new canes are the ones that will carry next season's flowers, so keep them and tie them in.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
