Selecting the right time of year to prune a climbing plant depends upon its foliage type and if it flowers, the age of the wood on which it blooms. In general, evergreens (those that are in leaf all year round) are best pruned in spring, whilst deciduous climbers (those plants whose leaves fall in autumn leaving the stem bare until spring) should be pruned in the dormant season (October to March).

Flowering climbers have additional pruning needs; those that flower on the previous year's shoots should be pruned as soon as flowers have faded, whilst climbers that flower on the current year's growth should be pruned in early spring. This can often be carried out with the main pruning and is timed to give the plants enough time to produce new flowering shoots.

Pruning Method

1. Look at the main stems of the climber that come up from the base of the plant. Cut out any that are dead, diseased or damaged at the base of the plant using a saw or long handled loppers. Avoid cutting back more than one-third of the main stems.
2. Once the main stems have been pruned, cut away any small twiggy stems in the main body of the plant that look weak or that are growing in the wrong direction. Choose an appropriately placed bud that faces the direction in which a new shoot is required. Prune just above the bud, cutting straight across the stem for plants that have buds arranged in pairs, or by using an angled cut for those plants whose buds grow alternately up the stem.
3. Cut out branches that are rubbing or congested.
4. For climbers that flower on the current year's growth, cut flowering shoots back so that they contain just 5 or 6 healthy buds. For plants that flower on the previous year's growth, cut back shoots that have just finished flowering to a vigorous shoot lower down the stem.
5. Check any plant ties to ensure that they are not too tight or are rubbing the stems. Adjust if necessary.
6. Tie in any new growth; continue to tie in new shoots throughout the season to fill the framework or to replace any old stems.