Groundcover roses are a fantastic way to cover garden soil with their dense foliage and colorful blooms. These low-growing shrubs are generally hardy and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for many gardens. Unlike other ground-covering plants like perennials, groundcover roses don’t spread by runners, which is why they are often sold as compact, small shrub roses. For a flourishing, well-shaped plant, proper pruning is key.
When to Prune Groundcover Roses
Groundcover roses do not require annual pruning, but choosing the right time is essential for achieving the best results. The ideal time for pruning is in early spring (March/April) after the last frost, before the new growth starts. If you’re unsure, you can use the blooming of forsythia as a natural indicator of when to prune. In milder climates, autumn pruning is also possible, but it’s typically not necessary every year. Generally, pruning once every three to four years is sufficient. However, if you want to keep the roses low-growing, annual pruning will be beneficial.
How to Prune Groundcover Roses
The key to successful pruning is removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood first. For larger shrubs, you may need to use a hedge trimmer to handle the thicker branches. For most groundcover roses, pruning is minimal, and they don’t require yearly maintenance.
When pruning, follow these steps:
- Use sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging the plant.
- Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches to improve the plant’s health.
- Cut back the remaining branches by about two-thirds, shaping the bush as needed.
- Trim old, woody main branches close to the ground to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- Remove any wild shoots that have sprouted from below the graft, if applicable.
- For plants grown on their own roots, prune them to about 20 cm every 4-5 years to maintain their shape and vitality.
This simple yet effective pruning method will encourage a healthy, vigorous rose bush with abundant blooms. Groundcover roses are relatively low-maintenance, but a good spring trim ensures they thrive and continue to beautify your garden year after year.