Why Should You Prune a Rosebush?
Pruning rose bushes is essential to remove diseased canes and deadwood caused by winterkill, to shape plants and open up their structure to allow in more sunlight and to keep them from looking like a tangled mess.
When Should Rose Bushes Be Pruned?
The best time to prune a rosebush is in early spring before the buds open. Exceptions: Prune dead or diseased canes at any time (disinfect pruners with a 9:1 water to bleach solution between cuts). Also, wait to prune old garden roses (which bloom on the previous year’s growth) until they finish flowering.
How Do You Cut Roses So They Will Bloom Again?
Where you make the cut is the most important part of pruning. Three of these four stems show an improper cut. From left to right: The first is a rough cut that won’t seal easily; the second is badly angled, directing water toward the bud; the third shows a cut made too far from the bud, leaving a large portion of the stem to eventually die back. The fourth stem is pruned correctly; the cut is located within 1/4 inch of the bud and angled in the opposite direction.
General Pruning Recommendations
In spring, before new growth starts, remove dead, damaged and diseased stems. It’s also a good time to repair any structural issues, such as stems that are growing inward, crossing or rubbing against each other. In the summer, remove any suckers (stray shoots arising from the base of the plant).
See below for tips on pruning a variety of rose plants.
Deadheading
Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, is done from late spring to early fall. Cut back to a strong, outward-facing stem, preferably one with five leaflets. By cutting roses to grow, the plant will look neater, encourage new growth and even repeat blooming on some varieties.
Pruning Modern Roses: Before
So-called modern roses are grandifloras, floribundas and hybrid teas. Each spring, remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant’s height. This will cause the plant to put out healthy new growth covered with blooms. On old-time roses that bloom on older canes (such as species roses), wait to prune until after flowering.
Pruning Modern Roses: After
This is what a modern rose looks like after pruning.
Pruning Shrub Roses: Before
Shrub roses are popular due to their disease resistance and easy maintenance. That easy maintenance carries over to pruning, too. Shrub roses generally don’t need much pruning, other than removing weak, spindly or old stems. Lightly prune outer stems in early spring to maintain a compact size. On old shrub roses with a crowded habit, remove thick, older stems that are no longer productive.
Pruning Shrub Roses: After
Here’s what a shrub rose looks like after being thinned out.
Pruning Climbing Roses: Before
Leave newly planted climbers alone for the first two or three years, tying stems to supports as the plant grows. Climbing roses bloom on stems that are two years old, so aim to keep a balance of new and old wood to ensure current and future blooming. Prune climbers in the fall so that you can easily recognize both new and old growth.
Pruning Climbing Roses: After
Here's what a climbing rose looks like after pruning.
Pruning Rambling Roses: Before
As with climbers, avoid heavy pruning the first two or three years so that plants can become established. Let canes grow freely the first year, then tie them to supports at the start of the second growing season. In early spring of the third year, remove at ground level all canes that bloomed the previous season. Leave new growth in place to supply this year’s flower show. Repeat annually.
Pruning Rambling Roses: After
Here’s what a rambling rose looks like after being cut back.