Ask John Negus John has been answering reader queries for 50 years John will reply personally to all your gardening questions every week
While John sometimes advocates using chemicals against pests and diseases as the most effective means of control, organic options are sometimes available and we advise readers to go with their preferences
Contact John Negus by email address below Email: amateurgardening@futurenet.com
How do I prune an inherited climber?
QWe have inherited a fantastic climbing rose, though I don’t know what variety. How should I prune it?
Simon MacDonald (via email)
AWe can advise you on pruning, even without knowing the variety or growing habit.
Start by pruning out completely any dead, diseased and dying wood, cutting to healthy wood just above a bud. Also look at the plant and cut our crossing branches where the thorns on one stem might rub and damage another.
Stems can be removed either to their base, or to a strong sideshoot. Where you remove them depends on the overall shape of the plant.
Keep the centre of the plant open and uncluttered. You can also encourage growth to appear in a certain direction by the choice of bud you prune. An outside bud will create wider growth, an inside one will encourage upright growth.
Once the dead, diseased, dying and crossing wood is removed, concentrate
