How to prune roses

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You will need

  • Rose bush
  • Secateurs
Do it: autumn or spring
Takes just: 20 minutes

Project categories

Overview

Pruning roses keeps them in shape and encourages more flower growth and healthier plants. Cut weak shoots right back to promote stronger growth from the base.

How to do it

Rose root stem showing die back

1Remove dead shoots and the tips of stems showing signs of die back.

Crossing rose branches

2Look for crossing and badly placed branches and cut them out to form a good shape.

Cutting rose stems

3Cut the stems of hybrid tea roses to half their length. Floribunda roses can be cut back further. Cut just above a bud pointing in the direction you want the new growth.

Adam's tip

Avoid spreading disease by always making sure your secateurs are clean and sharp.
Always try to prune when the rose is dormant - after autumn leaf fall and before the buds break in spring.

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