Shape up roses
Roses often continue flowering over a long period, some into autumn and it can be hard to work out whether they’ve finally stopped. All roses benefit from deadheading but leave untouched those grown for their decorative hips. These should be making a good display now and should only have broken shoots removed. The main rose-pruning season is in late winter, but you can make useful cuts in autumn. Some roses are particularly susceptible to windrock (see right). Tall or newly planted ones will need around a third of their overall height cut back now if they are growing in a vulnerable position. Standard roses are particularly likely to be damaged by wind, so lightly trim all the growth on their top-heavy crowns. Ramblers are often left unpruned, but late summer is the best time to trim them. If it hasn’t already been done, shorten the flowered sideshoots and cut unproductive framework branches at the base. However, the later they are pruned, the more likely you are to lose next year’s flowers. Thoroughly deadhead and tidy up lateflowering climbers, and ensure they are tied into their supports.
What to cut Old flowers and any growth that is likely to break in strong winds.
Where to cut Prune to just above a healthy, outward-facing bud, which will shoot next year.
When to cut Before autumn gales start, but after flowering has ended.