Pruning roses not only improves their appearance but also boosts their overall health and longevity. These tips apply to most rose types, from climbers to shrub roses.
When to Prune Roses
- Late winter (February or March) is generally ideal for pruning roses. However, timing can vary depending on the type of rose.
How to Prune Roses: Key Tips
- Make Proper Cuts
- Cut no more than 5 mm (¼ inch) above an outward-facing bud at a downward angle. This prevents water from sitting on the bud.
- For spreading roses, occasionally prune to an inward-facing bud for more upright growth.
- Clean Tools and Cuts
- Use sharp secateurs for clean cuts. For thicker stems, use loppers or a pruning saw.
- Remove Problematic Stems
- Eliminate dead, diseased, or weak stems. Cut back to healthy white pith.
- Remove crossing stems and those that inhibit air circulation.
- Encourage Growth
- On established roses, cut out poorly flowering old wood to encourage new shoots.
- Newly planted roses should be pruned hard to stimulate vigorous growth.
- Handle Suckers
- Trace suckers to their root origin and pull them away completely.
Pruning an Unknown Rose
If you don’t know your rose variety, follow these general steps:
- Climbers or Ramblers:
- For multi-stemmed roses, remove 1-2 old stems at the base. Shorten remaining stems by one-third to half.
- Shrubs or Bush Roses:
- Take out 1-2 old stems as close to ground level as possible. Shorten remaining stems by up to half.