Pruning climbing plants

[Cynthia Dyke]

When do you prune climbing plants such as vines and fast-growing wisteria? Also do you prune in the same way my mother prunes, say roses, [that is plants that are not climbers] and really cut down to just a few inches above the ground or must you be more 'careful' with climbers?

[compo]

It varies according to the plant, whether its evergreen, when it flowers etc. Vines are very vigorous and can be pruned to the shape required, taking out unwanted growth etc, usually in midwinter and again in midsummer if needed. Wisteria depends on how mature it is. If it is more than a couple of years old you should prune the leading shoot to about a foot and a half above the top lateral shoots in late summer. Shoots that aren't needed for the general framework of the plant to about six inches of the main framework, leaving some leaves on each one. Cut these back further, to two or three buds in midwinter.