It is hard to believe it is already time to prune roses. Pruning roses is a rather easy job, but to some it can be very intimidating. Pruning roses is very good for the plants and, once the weather warms up, a very pretty bush will emerge from the cold dark days of winter.

Believe it or not, roses are very forgiving of a bad pruning job and most mistakes can be overcome with good weather and a little fertilizer. However, it is better to make a good effort at pruning roses than to let them grow rampant.

Why Prune?

Pruning encourages new growth and bloom, removes dead wood, improves air circulation, and helps shape the plant. If roses are left unpruned, you will be left with a bush that contains new and old growth. The old growth will be very unsightly and will often overshadow the new pretty growth. Also, you will be left with a very unsymmetrical plant. In other words, they will not be shaped correctly.

Pruning roses can be accomplished by using clean, sharp tools. One can begin pruning at the base of the plant and work your way up. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, about ¼-inch above a bud that is facing toward the outside of the plant. Remove all broken, dead, dying or diseased wood (any branches that look dry, shriveled or black). Cut until the inside of the cane is white.

When to Prune Hybrid Teas and Grandi- flora: While hybrid teas are often very difficult to grow, due to persistent disease problems, they are very beautiful if taken care of. Hybrid teas bloom on new wood and should be pruned in early spring. Remove dead and weak wood. Create an openvase shape with the remaining canes by removing the center stems and any branches crossing inwards. Then reduce the length of the remaining stems by about ½ or down to 19-24 inches. You can allow older, stronger stems to be a bit longer then the new growth.

Types of Roses

Modern Shrub Roses: This group is repeat bloomers, blooming on mature but not old woody stems. Leave then unpruned to increase vigor for the first two years and then use the “one-third” method. Each year remove one-third of the oldest canes (in addition to any dead, diseased or dying canes).

Climbers: Climbers may repeat bloom. Prune early to remove winter damage and dead wood. Prune after flowering to shape and keep their size in check.

Miniature Roses: Prune only to shape. Cut back to an outward facing bud after blooming.

Alba, Centifolia, Damasks, Gallica, and Mosses: This group blooms only once, producing flowers on old wood and doesn’t require much pruning at all. Prune only to remove dead or thin wood and to shape the plants, and prune after flowering.

I hope this gives you some insight on the basics of rose pruning. We finished pruning the Knock-Out roses at our office and the courthouse! I am not saying they are perfect, but it will give you an idea on the pruning process.

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