Climbing Roses

[beeseejay]

I planted 6 climbers in autumn. They are growing well though it will be some time before they reach a good height (I think). What I would like to know is how many stems should I keep on each one. Is there an optimum number to produce the best growth? Many thanks for all suggestions.

[Clanad]

Your rose will tell you which canes to prune back. They will shoot up some longer, healthier looking canes than others. In fact some canes will die over a period of time (It'l take 3 maybe 4 years for it to become really established) and those should be pruned out as they appear. Try to keep the center of the plant open to promote air circulation.

Be sure to provide support for the canes as they grow, since no rose is an actual climber in the sense of it 'vining' and supporting itself. For the first couple of years, tie them up to your trellis and train them to where you want them to go.

I've had the best luck with feeding the roses in the spring by purchasing the 'rose spikes' ( like these: http://www.acehardwar...jsp?productId=1335049 ) (I'm in the U.S., by the way) and placing them in a circle around the base about 5 or 6 inches away from the plant. Maybe 4 of the smaller ones or two of the larger ones.

Your roses will like plenty of water but don't have them soggy around the base... Good luck!

[rowanwitch]

remember to tie at least some of the shoots you want to keep along horizontal wires if you can as you will get a lot more flowers

[beeseejay]

Thanks for your answers folks. That is tomorrow's job then.