Monty Don urges gardeners to do ‘10 minutes of work now’ for beautiful roses (original) (raw)

Gardeners should carry out a 10 minute task this month on their rose bushes, says expert Monty Don, to ensure that they are healthy and are "packed with flowers next year"

Monty Don has given advice on keeping rose bushes healthy

Gardening fans need to take action this month on your rose bushes to ensure they are "packed with flowers next year" says Monty Don..

This month is the perfect month to trim rose bushes to keep them healthy and ensure larger blooms said Monty, from BBC's Gardeners' World. It is also an easier job during September as roses require only a minimal pruning to set them up for the colder months ahead. "I know that some gardeners are anxious about pruning roses but the many shrub varieties such as the gallicas, 'English' roses, albas or hybrid perpetuals are best simply trimmed with shears any time this month," he wrote on his website. He advised cutting back around a third of the rose bush: "Do not worry about the position or angle of the cuts but clip away all long, straggly shoots as though you were trimming a hedge, leaving a compact, slightly domed bush that is about two-thirds of its former size."

Rose bushes need trimming in September (

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Why is September an ideal time for pruning roses?

While roses typically undergo rigorous pruning in the spring, a gentle prune at this time of year can alleviate stress on the plant, fostering robust growth for the following season. Pruning in September allows the rose to conserve energy by shedding spent blooms, which in turn helps it concentrate on fortifying its roots for winter survival instead of expending effort on unnecessary growth. With autumn setting in, roses are finishing their blooming phase and gearing up for a rest before the spring resurgence. Gardening guru Monty shared some key advice: "In March, when you can see clearly without any foliage, you can inspect the shrub to remove any damaged or rubbing stems, but a simple shear in September is enough to keep it healthy and packed with flowers next year."

How to do a September prune

Rapid pruning sessions, lasting 10 to 20 minutes, will suffice for most rose plants at this time of the year. Your pruning toolkit should include sharp shears and protective gardening gloves to prevent thorny encounters, reported the Express. Start by deadheading: remove wilted roses while sparing the verdant leaves. Trim away extra-long canes to maintain the rose's form and avert any top-heaviness that could lead to damage in blustery conditions. Eradicate any withering or damaged wood and lightly thin out the bush if it appears to be overly dense; this cultivates better airflow. Wrap up your pruning efforts by cleaning all cut debris from the vicinity to deter pests and forestall fungal diseases, especially if the trimmings get damp. A little touch-up now ensures roses stay splendid through autumn and emerge strong and blooming after winter's chill.