Rose pruning is one of those garden tasks where timing is important. It is best to wait until frosts are over, but it is best to start before new growth commences. Pruning tends to stimulate new growth, this is why we need to time things correctly. Prune to early and new growth may be damaged by frosts, prune to late and you will be cutting of the first flush of new growth and also the first flush of flowers. So late winter (mid February) to early spring (mid March) depending on the climate, earlier in the south than the north.

Why Prune Roses?
Roses will keep growing (and flowering) if they are not pruned, so why prune roses? Unpruned roses will not flower as mush as pruned roses. Unpruned roses tend to lose shape and become a little untidy.

How do you prune a Rose?
The essential tool is a pair of good quality, clean sharp secateures, a good pruning saw or pair of loppers is also advisable.
Why clean? to prevent disease.
Why sharp? So that cuts are clean
Why good quality? A good quality pair of secateures will be easier to keep sharp and will last a lot longer than a cheap pair.
How much should you cut back a rose.
In general start by cutting back by about 1/3 from the top of the bush.
Remove ant suckers from below the graft.
Remove any dead or really old wood.
You should aim to create a frame of 4 - 5 strong main branches.
Shape the rose by cutting back to 4-5 mm above an outward facing bud, with the cut sloping away from the bud. Prune so that the rose is open in the centre to allow light and air.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROSES AND ROSE NURSERIES VISIT OUR ROSES PAGE