Novice query - pruning a climbing rose

ChrisWM

I bought a climbing rose only to find out that as it has stiff stems, it is unsuitable for an obleisk. The general guidance I’m getting from the supplier is that I’m ok pruning it to shrub size, even during the growing season where necessary. 

Any my guidance on this would be welcome, as it already has lovely blossoms, and I want to treat it in the right way.

Obelixx

Climbing roses have stiff stems and are good for clothing walls and trellises.  Here is a guide to pruning them - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=189

Whether or not the one you have bought will do as a shrub form depends on the variety.   The RHS site also has info on ramblers and shrub roses and how to grow and prune them.  If you still want one for an obelisk, try looking at the David Austin website for roses that are suited - https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/specific-situations/pillars-obelisks

Marlorena

Which rose do you have please?   stiff stems don't stop you from using an obelisk, it just needs a touch more care... but the rose, depending on what it is, may be too large for the structure in any case..

Fire

Which did you buy?

ChrisWM

Thanks, all. James Galway, by David Austin: https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/james-galway-climbing-rose

Obelixx

Recommended for a wall or fence but not an obelisk.   Can you move it somewhere suitable and get a better rose for your obelisk?

ChrisWM

Thanks, Obelixx.  I have a plan, if this is suitable. We have a pergola, set in a small patio area.  I am thinking of having a few patio slabs up to assess how wide the concrete is that the posts were set in. If reasonable, I can transfer the rose in November, so it can climb the post. I could replace it in the border with another rose, although I understand it couldn’t be planted in the same hole as the original one. 

Obelixx

That rule applies to replacing old roses.   As yours hasn't been in long it will be fine, especially if you add plenty of goodness form well-rotted garden manure and some garden compost and a sprinkling of mycrorhizal fungae on the roots of both James Galway when you move him and the new rose you choose for the obelisk.

Marlorena

I would grow that on an obelisk -no problem, but it would need to be at least 6 to 8 feet above ground height for that rose..  you don't have to let things grow to 12 feet if you don't want it... or just because it says so in the description..   I have 'The Generous Gardener' on a 6.5 foot obelisk, yet you will read it grows to 15 feet...  I also have 'The Lark Ascending' on one, and you can't get much stiffer than that... just because they don't include these, doesn't mean to say you can't do it...
Still, I'm sure it'll look great on your pergola if that's what you choose to do.. 

Also, if your rose has only been in the ground for a year or two, you needn't worry about replant disease, it hasn't been in there long enough..

ChrisWM

Thanks, Obelixx and Marlorena. That’s very encouraging. 

Obelixx

My Generous Gardener in Belgium covered 3 6' trellis panels!   Seems unkind to keep it restricted to an obelisk.   I have a recently acquired Lark Ascending here but haven't yet decided where it will go....