The answer is generally yes—cutting back faded roses is recommended for most varieties, as it encourages new blooms. However, some exceptions exist, depending on the type of rose.
Understanding Rose Varieties
There are two main types of roses to consider: those that bloom once in early summer and those that bloom multiple times throughout the season. Wild roses, as well as many historical varieties like Gallica, Alba, Damascena, and Centifolia roses, typically bloom just once between May and July. In these cases, cutting back faded flowers won’t promote further blooms, but it’s still beneficial for aesthetic reasons. If the roses are less densely filled and can produce rose hips, it’s best to leave the fading flowers in place, as they will provide fruit in late summer and fall, which also benefits pollinators and birds.
The majority of modern roses in gardens today are « repeat-blooming » varieties, which bloom multiple times. These roses were developed and refined from the 19th century onward and require the removal of faded flowers to promote further blooms. The earlier you remove spent flowers, the quicker and more profusely the rose will bloom again.
When and How to Cut Back Faded Roses
You should start cutting back faded roses as soon as you notice the first wilting flowers. When trimming, make sure to cut just below the flower cluster, removing the faded bloom along with the first two fully developed leaves on the stem. Ideally, the remaining leaf should face outward from the center of the plant, allowing the new growth to receive ample sunlight and air. Within 3-5 weeks, new shoots should begin to emerge.
The Difference Between Summer Pruning and Winter Pruning
Summer pruning (also called « deadheading ») is not the same as the pruning done in early spring. The goal of summer pruning is to prevent the energy of the plant from being diverted into forming hips, instead directing it toward producing new flowers. This is particularly important for roses that are too filled to produce seeds or for sterile varieties.
Cutting Faded Roses: Key Tips
When trimming faded blooms, remove the spent flowers along with two full leaves (preferably five-fingered leaves, not the smaller three-fingered ones). This ensures the new growth is strong and healthy. It’s also fine to remove a couple of extra leaves, but avoid cutting more than four, as this could weaken the plant. Depending on the rose variety and weather, you can expect new blooms in 3-5 weeks.
Roses That Bloom Continuously Without Pruning
Some roses, such as miniatures, ground cover varieties, and shrub roses, will bloom repeatedly even without regular pruning. These varieties are resilient and often develop side shoots during the bud stage. While they may continue to bloom without much care, the flowers will generally be less vibrant compared to those pruned properly. These roses are great for public gardens where low maintenance is essential, but for home gardens, proper care can enhance their blooming potential.
High-growing or climbing rose varieties with simple or loosely filled blooms are often quickly pollinated and produce fruit. For these types, it’s recommended to cut off the first flower clusters. This encourages the plant to produce another round of blooms in August. If you leave the faded flowers, the hips will develop as a beautiful fall decoration. You can choose between enjoying the rose hips in the autumn or encouraging a third round of blooms by cutting off the spent flowers.
Pruning for Aesthetics
Whether or not to remove faded roses is a matter of personal preference. However, unlike hydrangeas, rose blooms don’t fade gracefully, and dead flowers can become unsightly, especially after rain, when they turn brown and stick to the leaves. This creates a perfect environment for fungal infections. Therefore, pruning faded flowers not only keeps the garden looking neat but also helps prevent diseases.
In conclusion, cutting back faded roses ensures healthier plants and more blooms. Regular « deadheading » also improves the overall appearance of the garden, reduces the risk of fungal infections, and encourages the plant to focus energy on producing more flowers, leading to a more vibrant, continuous display throughout the season.