Today’s Garden Ideas

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Pruning roses is done for 2 reasons. The first reason you prune rose bushes is to control the shape and growth of the rose bushes. Pruning roses will rid the rose bush of old or diseased branches or canes as they are also called. The helps rose bushes keep their beautiful full shape. Pruning roses also helps new buds to sprout which, in turn, produces more lovely rose flowers.

Another reason for pruning rose bushes is to keep the rose bush healthy. By pruning roses it opens up their shape and helps in circulation. This is very important as aeration prevents fungus growth and keeps the rose bush healthy.

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When do you Prune?

The best time for pruning roses is in early spring. However, be sure the final frost has passed. Pruning rose bushes in the fall may cause new shoots to be killed by the cold or snow. Therefore, pruning roses should only be done in the spring after the final frost.

As delicate as the rose bloom appears, rose bushes are very strong and hardy. When pruning roses do not be afraid to treat them roughly. You can even use a hedge trimmer for pruning rose bushes. The rose bush will return even more beautiful than before you pruned it.

Pruning Process

To begin pruning roses first perform some basic maintenance. You might want to wear long sleeves and gloves for this activity to prevent thorn wounds. Take a close look at the base of the rose bush. If you see any rose branches that seem to me growing out of the soil and not off the primary rose bush these need to be removed. For pruning these rose branches dig down to their base where they are growing from the parent rose bush root and remove them.

The next step to pruning roses is to cut away all broken, dead, or diseased branches or canes. If you notice at the point where you cut that the branch is not white or green inside then cut the branch off lower. You want to be sure it will not grow back.

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To continue pruning rose bushes remove all thin and straggly branches as no blooms will grow on them and they will just waist the plant’s energy. If you notice some branches are crossed or touching cut the smaller one back. Pruning rose bushes in this manner will keep the branches you leave strong.

The final step to pruning roses is cutting the rose bush back. Pruning rose bushes back to just before the closest healthy bud or the desired height is correct. Be sure pruning your rose bushes will keep the rose bush rounded and open. Cut each branch back to just above the closest outward facing bud. Be sure to cut ¼ inch above the bud at a 45-degree angle using sharp clean pruning shears. If you cut too close the bud will not grow and if you cut too far away the remaining branch length will die. If you do not make a clean cut this will leave the rose open to attack from insects, fungus and other disease.

For pruning old roses that are developing fewer blooms use a harsh method. Pruning these roses means cutting them down to a few basic branch 10-12 inches from the ground. For pruning roses that are new do the same thing just before planting. Cut the canes to about 8-10 inches long. If they are already that long than just cut the tips.

Pruning roses vigorously and in a timely manner will keep them looking healthy year round. Pruning rose bushes is not very difficult and can be fun. Pruning roses creatively can produce some interesting shapes.
So relax and have fun pruning roses.

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