How to prune roses

Pruning time

After frost

After the frost has passed, which could be January or February, depending on where you live. After frost is the best time to remove diseased and dead branches, because there will be no more frost, so there is no need to worry about roses being damaged by low temperatures after pruning.

After the sprouts grow

Prune after new shoots begin to swell; sprouting is the sign for pruning. When new buds are just beginning to grow, pruning at this time will not cause any harm to the rose. At this time, you need to check whether there are buds and leaves growing on the stems. If the rose has not shown any signs of growth since autumn, wait a few weeks after buds grow before pruning.

Pruning according to variety

Some roses need to be pruned after they bloom, while others need to be pruned during their dormant period. The way to judge is: new branches grow in spring and flowers bloom on the new branches, which means that pruning can be done during the dormant period; if the flowers bloom on old branches, the branches need to be cut off after flowering.

The correct way to prune

Preparing tools

Make sure you have a good pair of pruning tools, shears for small branches and loppers for larger branches. Make sure your tools are sharp enough to ensure a smooth, clean cut.

disinfect

Wipe your scissors with rubbing alcohol before pruning and rinse them after each pruning. This can prevent the disease from spreading between branches.

Pruning pose

When pruning at a 45-degree angle, the juice in the branches will flow downwards, which can also effectively prevent infection by bacteria. Be careful not to align the cut surface with the center of the plant.

Choosing the pruning position to cut the branches above the buds can transfer the plant's energy to the buds and promote the growth of the branches.

After pruning, apply a layer of white glue or wood ash on the cut to disinfect it, which can effectively avoid interference from pests and diseases.

Pruning dead branches

Clean up dead branches

For dead branches that cannot grow new branches, timely pruning can also save nutrients.

Prune back weak or crossing branches. Thin branches and those that cross toward the center of the bush should be pruned cleanly at the base. These branches and leaves will limit air circulation and affect the health of the shrub.

To give your rose bush the desired shape, prune back the remaining branches. Cut 0.6 cm outside the outward bud so that the branches will grow outward.

Remove the dying flowers

During the growing season, roses will bloom and eventually wither. Removing these withered flowers in a timely manner is beneficial to the healthy growth of roses.