How to prune roses

in Home : Projects: The basics

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.

Discuss this project

Talkback: How to prune roses
Your comment will appear after a quick registration step

Anni Cariad 24/02/2012 at 18:36

Help! My roses are still in bloom, it's been so mild and they are under a glass roofed porch. Do I still prune, or should I hang fire until they stop blooming?

Thank you,

Anni.

Kevin Eastment 12/03/2012 at 13:24

I Have got 6 rose plnts comming (bear root)
I want to plant them in pots what do i buy to plant them (compost or somthing eles)