Are climbing roses suppose to be cut back?
Pruning time depends upon whether the rose is one that blooms only once during the season or does a repeat bloom later the same season. It does not depend upon zone. “Climbers repeat their blossoms during each season and should be pruned late in winter. Climbers should also be stripped of foliage before getting pruned, not just to encourage dormant eyes to swell but also because naked canes are easier to shape into classic climbing form. “For their first several years of growth, Climbing roses require little pruning except for the removal of dead or spindly wood. Then, as vigorous varieties mature, more wood (including entire canes) must be sacrificed if plants are expected to remain within bounds. “The controversy over proper pruning for Climbers has nothing to do with main canes or strong laterals growing from them — those should simply be taped into place with their tips pointed downward to ensure that sap flows throughout their lengths. Argument, however, exists for how to handle
