The ideal time to prune shrub roses is when the forsythia begins to bloom. However, it’s important to note that the pruning method depends on the blooming behavior and growth habits of the rose variety. Whether you’re dealing with once-blooming or repeat-blooming roses, or smaller ground-cover varieties versus larger shrub roses, the pruning approach varies. With these tips, you can successfully maintain healthy, beautiful roses.
Different Pruning Needs for Different Roses
Shrub roses typically grow in a bushy, upright form and bloom in clusters of simple or double flowers. The category includes wild roses, 19th-century English and historic roses, and modern repeat-blooming varieties developed in the 20th century. These roses often have filled blossoms and may vary in size. Some, like the Park roses, are once-blooming varieties that can grow up to two meters tall and wide.
Key Pruning Tips:
- Prune shrub roses when forsythia is blooming.
- For vigorously growing repeat-blooming varieties, shorten main stems by about a third and side shoots to five buds.
- For slower-growing roses, prune by about half.
- Remove old, overgrown shoots to rejuvenate the plant.
- Once-blooming roses should be lightly pruned every few years by removing old, dead wood.
Pruning Once-Blooming Shrub Roses
Once-blooming roses, such as many historic varieties and Park roses, typically bloom in late spring or early summer, often only on old wood. While these roses can withstand more cold, their shorter blooming period means they require a different pruning approach. Prune them lightly, only removing dead or diseased branches in the spring. Every few years, remove some of the older wood to improve airflow and reduce disease risks.
Avoid heavy pruning on once-blooming varieties, as it can delay the next bloom cycle. If you need to rejuvenate old plants, prune them heavily after blooming, but note that this may halt flowering for a season.
Pruning Repeat-Blooming Shrub Roses and English Roses
Repeat-blooming roses, including many English varieties, have two blooming periods: one in early summer on old wood and another from late summer on new growth. These roses benefit from regular pruning, which encourages more flowers by promoting side shoots. A complete neglect of pruning will lead to sparse growth over time.
To prune repeat-blooming roses, start by removing any dead or diseased branches. Cut back the main stems from the previous year by one-third or more, depending on the strength of the growth. Cut side branches back to three to five strong buds, and remove thinner or weaker shoots. Leave at least three to five strong main stems, ensuring the plant retains its natural shape.
Pruning Small Shrub Roses and Ground Covers
Small shrub and ground-cover roses are generally more robust and can even withstand heavier pruning with hedge trimmers. For once-blooming varieties, prune lightly after flowering by removing any old wood. For repeat-blooming varieties, you can prune more heavily, cutting main shoots back by about half each year or completely cutting back to around 10 cm above the ground every few years.
Summer Pruning for Shrub Roses
During the summer, it’s important to remove faded blooms from repeat-blooming shrub roses. This encourages new flower buds to form and helps the plant maintain its appearance. Always cut back to the first fully developed leaf, typically the fifth leaf from the base, as this is where new growth will sprout. Be mindful of wild shoots, which have seven leaves and may appear on grafted varieties, distinguishing them from cultivated growth with five leaves.
Conclusion
Proper pruning of shrub roses is essential for maintaining their health and ensuring abundant blooms. Whether you’re dealing with once-blooming or repeat-blooming varieties, each type has specific needs. By following the correct timing and techniques for each type of rose, you’ll ensure that your plants thrive year after year.