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Spring is the Ideal Time for Pruning Roses
| TIPS FOR PRUNING ROSES |
Follow these steps in order:
1) Cut out all completely dead wood, which is black.
2) Cut out any branches that are rubbing against each other, are crossing each other, or are damaged or diseased.
3) Choose three to six canes as your “keepers.” These canes should not be too thin — at least as thick as a pencil — nor
too thick and old. They should also spread outward from an open center.
4) Cut those “keeper” canes to a height of from 1 to 3 feet, depending on how high you want your rose to grow that year. As a rule, cut the rose canes about one-fifth as high as the desired mature height of the rose stalks, longer in warm climates (Zones 7 and warmer). Note: Make the cut at the top of the cane so it’s at a 45-degree angle and 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. This assures that new growth will be outward and upward, creating a healthy, pretty shape. |
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(MS) - Nearly all roses need an annual, major pruning in the late winter or early spring, right when they’re just starting to send out new growth. The new growth is usually little red buds or shoots that will turn into new leaves and stems. Don’t wait much longer than that or you’ll start interfering with flower production.
Pruning roses well is an art, but even a beginner can do it as long as you follow a few rules. The basic principle for all rose pruning — except climbers — is to direct all growth outward and upward in a regular and even fashion, keeping the center of the rose bush open so air can circulate, thereby preventing disease and allowing in maximum light to produce maximum flowers.
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