Some roses flower gloriously just once a year in a single flush, with no recurring blooms (or just a few flowers) appearing the rest of the season. These beauties are called “non-remontant,” and they need a different type of pruning than roses that bloom repeatedly.
When pruned properly, non-remontant roses will bloom magnificently.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Some climbing roses are non-remontant. In fact, climber, pillar and rambler roses bear their blooms on lateral branches that sprout from the main cane, waiting until the second year to form blossoms. To keep them vigorous and their blooms large, prune away all the laterals with spent flowers soon after they fade. (The roses use the growing season to sprout new laterals for bloom the following spring.)
To prune all non-remontant roses, just take the easy steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions. With a little work, your roses will bloom magnificently – even if it’s but once a year.
Pruning Non-Remontant Roses
Pruning Non-Remontant Roses - Step 1
Cut away any clusters of rose hips, which quickly form once flowers fade. Remove the entire lateral down to the main branch. (These will not form new flowers.) Allowing sunlight to get to the main canes will prompt new laterals to grow the following year.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Pruning Non-Remontant Roses - Step 2
Avoid cutting back long canes unless they become unsightly, unproductive or die. Canes that cross over the center of the plant should also be removed to allow air to circulate.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Pruning Non-Remontant Roses - Step 3
For all remaining canes, cut off the bloom laterals. On major laterals, like the one shown here, leave a stub by cutting above a nascent leaf node 4-6 inches from the main cane.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Pruning Non-Remontant Roses - Step 4
If your non-remontant rose is a climbing one, use stretchy plant tape to tie the canes securely to the trellis, fence, arbor or other support when you’re finished pruning. Arch canes where possible as you tie – this will help produce more flowers.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
