How to prune repeat-blooming climber rose: complete guide

Why prune a repeat-blooming climber rose?

Repeat-blooming climber roses, like the well-known 'New Dawn', flower not once but two to three times per season. They flower mainly in June-July, then again in September-October, with sometimes light bloom in August. They grow stronger than ramblers but need more pruning than once-flowering climbers because you want to stimulate repeated bloom.

Pruning is a mix of the two types: you prune carefully but regularly to encourage bloom.

Early spring: preparation pruning

In March, before your rose grows, do preparation pruning. This is lighter than the foundational pruning of large-flowered roses, but more focused than ramblers.

First remove dead wood - that grey, black or hollow wood. Cut it back to healthy green. This is less work than ramblers but more than once-flowering types.

Now remove all thin shoots hanging downward. These never look good. Cut them away.

Now carefully adjust the shape. If your rose has become larger than you want, cut carefully back - not more than two or three meters. You do not want to disrupt repeated bloom.

Cut very carefully any very long shoots extending beyond your trellis. But do not do much - you do not want to remove all growth.

June-July: first bloom and deadheading

As soon as your rose begins to flower in June, watch for bloom. Repeat bloomers give many flowers.

When flowers fade in July, cut back to the first leaf with three or five leaflets just below the faded flower. This is the same technique as deadheading large-flowered roses. You do not cut back much - maybe ten to twenty centimeters.

This deadheading stimulates two or three new shoots that will grow in August and in September-October will again be full of flowers.

July-August: tying and feeding

After the first bloom in July, new shoots that grow in August become critical. This is important: you want these shoots well distributed so they get full bloom.

Gently tie these new shoots in against your trellis. Horizontally tied shoots give more flowers. Vertical shoots give far fewer.

Feeding is now critical. Repeat bloomers need heavy feeding. Add rose fertilizer in July. This gives your shoots the energy for repeated bloom.

August-September: second bloom

In August your new shoots grow full. In September-October they flower full. This is when repeat bloomers have their advantage - you get a second bloom.

As these flowers fade in October, you can deadhead again. But here you must be careful - October bloom is late. You do not want new shoots to freeze in November-December. Do not cut back hard - remove only very faded flowers.

October-November: preparation for winter

In October-November you stop deadheading. Your rose enters dormancy. Remove only dead foliage and very faded flowers. No more major pruning.

Check tying. Make sure everything is secure so wind does not damage shoots.

Feeding and health

Repeat bloomers are very hungry because they carry two sets of flowers. From May to October add feeding every two weeks - at least five to six times. This is more than once-flowering types. A hungry repeat bloomer stops blooming after the first bloom in July.

Disease can be problematic. Ensure good air circulation by not tying too densely. Check regularly for powdery mildew and rust. With problems, remove affected parts immediately. A healthy plant blooms better and longer.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Preparation pruning in March

Remove dead wood - everything grey, black or hollow. Remove thin hanging shoots. Cut very long shoots back if they extend beyond your trellis.

Step 2: Deadhead faded flowers in July

As flowers fade in July, cut back to the first leaf below. This stimulates new growth.

Step 3: Tie new shoots in August

While new shoots grow, gently tie them in - horizontally for more flowers.

Step 4: Repeated bloom in September

In September your new shoots will hang full of flowers. This is the advantage of repeat bloomers.

Step 5: Feed regularly

From May to October add rose fertilizer - at least twice. Repeat bloomers are hungry.

Step 6: October deadheading carefully

In October you can gently remove faded flowers. Do not cut hard - you do not want new growth that will freeze.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my repeat-blooming climber stop flowering after July?

Probably feeding. Repeat bloomers need heavy feeding. Make sure you add feeding from May to September. Also check tying - horizontally tied shoots give more flowers.

Can I keep my repeat-blooming rose smaller?

Yes, carefully. Cut back in March to two meters height. After that you only deadhead faded flowers. Hard cutting in summer disrupts bloom.

How old does a repeat-blooming climber get?

Twenty to forty years or more. They grow slowly stronger. They are stronger than once-flowering types.

My rose grows very wild, can I prune harder?

Carefully. Repeat bloomers tolerate hard pruning less well than once-flowering types. Cut back in March to shape. In summer you only deadhead. 'New Dawn' is the most well-known and can grow to four meters.

Why do I get no flowers in October?

Probably too little feeding in July-August. Repeat bloomers are very hungry. They need feeding for repeated bloom. Also provide enough water - drought stops bloom.

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