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Pruning guide

How to prune the pilgrim rose

Best time
Late winter (January–February) for established plants; tie in new growth throughout the growing season
How often
Annually (late-winter main prune and tie-in)
Technique
Spread long main canes outwards and downwards in a fan, tying them as close to horizontal as the structure allows. Cut side shoots back by two-thirds. Remove one or two older main canes at the base on mature plants to stimulate fresh growth.

More the pilgrim rose care

Pruning the pilgrim rose — FAQ

When should I prune the pilgrim rose?

Late winter (January–February) for established plants; tie in new growth throughout the growing season. Spread long main canes outwards and downwards in a fan, tying them as close to horizontal as the structure allows. Cut side shoots back by two-thirds. Remove one or two older main canes at the base on mature plants to stimulate fresh growth.

How often does the pilgrim rose need pruning?

Annually (late-winter main prune and tie-in). The Pilgrim is an English climbing rose reaching up to 3.5 m, though it can also be grown as a large shrub at 1.2–1.5 m if pruned more firmly. As a climber, horizontal training of the main canes is essential: it triggers flowering side shoots along the full length of each stem rather than only at the top. Prune side shoots back by two-thirds each late winter.

How do you prune the pilgrim rose?

Spread long main canes outwards and downwards in a fan, tying them as close to horizontal as the structure allows. Cut side shoots back by two-thirds. Remove one or two older main canes at the base on mature plants to stimulate fresh growth.