Climbing Rose

Plant bare-root roses between November and March, or container-grown plants at any time. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with rich, moisture-retentive soil. Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost before planting. Set the graft union 5 cm below soil level to encourage strong growth. Water deeply once a week in dry weather rather than frequent light watering. Feed in early spring with a specialist rose fertiliser and again after the first flush of flowers. Mulch with compost or bark in spring, keeping mulch away from the stems. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming throughout summer.

Prune in late winter, between December and February. Tie in the main stems as horizontally as possible to encourage flowering side shoots along their length. Cut flowering side shoots back to two or three buds from the main stems. Remove one or two of the oldest, woodiest main stems at the base each year and tie in vigorous new replacements. Remove all dead, diseased, or spindly growth.