Roses will be ‘packed with flowers’ if gardeners do an easy 10-minute task

Garden enthusiasts might believe there's less to do in the garden as the weather cools, but one simple task can enhance your roses .

Monty Don, renowned for his role as the lead gardener on Gardeners' World, has revealed that a quick trim of rose bushes will result in more plentiful and larger blooms .

Pruning roses now in September requires much less effort than at any other time of the year, as the plant only needs some light pruning to prepare them for winter.

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On his website, Monty advised: "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."

"Don't fret over 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."

Why should you prune roses in September? Roses usually undergo a hard pruning in springtime, but a light prune now can help reduce strain on the plant, encouraging stronger growth next year.

Pruning roses in September helps the plant conserve energy by removing dying flowers, allowing it to focus on strengthening its roots to survive winter rather than on unnecessary growth.

Roses are now switching gears from blooming to prepping for the next season of growth, ensuring a bounty of healthy and vibrant flowers come spring.

Monty advised: "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."

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Trimming your roses in September is a swift task, usually taking just 10 to 20 minutes depending on the bush's size.

Essential tools include sharp shears and gardening gloves to protect against thorns.

Start by deadheading, snipping off spent blooms while leaving healthy leaves. Then, cut back long canes to maintain shape and prevent top-heaviness that could lead to damage in adverse weather.

Remove any dying or damaged wood, and thin out smaller canes as needed to boost air flow. After pruning, clear away all debris to deter pests and disease, especially if the clippings get damp.

This straightforward, light prune sets up your roses for a robust autumn and readies them for winter, paving the way for a flourishing spring display.

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