Pruning 'Lady Banks' Rose for Cascading Effect

Creating the Filoli Gardens Look

Three 'Lady Banks' roses on fence; want cascading 'Lutea' effect like Filoli Gardens. When and how to prune?

Pruning Strategy

• Timing: After spring bloom (blooms on old wood).
• Weight canes: Bag of soil on plastic bag tied to upright cane tips to pull down.
• Thin undergrowth: Remove bird's-nest tangles underneath.
• Select main draping canes: Tie with ribbon to fence in desired positions.
• Ruthless on wayward canes: Remove anything growing wrong direction.
• Next year: Prune back main drapers; remove ribbons (canes hardened in place).

Key Insight

Cutting activates growth—may regrow same direction. Persistent training wins.