Pruning roses

Pruning roses  is an important task to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms. The best time to prune is typically late winter or early spring, around late February to early March, just as the plants come out of dormancy but before new growth begins. Here’s a step-by-step guide for pruning your roses:

Timing: Late winter or early spring (February-March) is ideal for most rose varieties. You should prune before the first signs of new growth, but after the worst of the winter weather has passed.

Use the right equipment – you will need:

• Sharp secateurs: Essential for clean cuts.
• Loppers: For thicker stems.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns.
• Disinfectant: Clean your tools before use to prevent spreading diseases.

Step 1 – Look for any signs of disease, dead or damaged wood. Prune these away first.

Step 2 – Prune dead, diseased, or damaged wood

• Remove any dead wood: Cut back any brown or black stems until you reach healthy, green tissue.
• Remove any diseased stems: These will look discolored or have spots.
• Cut away any old wood: If there are any weak or old stems that are unlikely to produce good flowers, remove them to encourage new growth.

Step 3 – Shaping

• Cut back the remaining stems: Trim about a third of the height of the plant to encourage new growth. For shrub roses, this will often mean cutting down to a framework of healthy, strong canes.
• Shape the bush: Aim to create an open, vase-like shape that allows light and air to reach the centre of the plant. This helps with airflow and reduces disease risk.

• Always cut just above a bud or an outward-facing shoot, at a slight angle. This will encourage the plant to grow outward and prevent overcrowding.

Don’t over-prune – Be cautious not to prune too much, especially if you’re unsure. It’s better to prune a little too lightly than to take too much off and stress the plant.

Aftercare – Once you’ve finished pruning, you might want to apply a mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remember to water the plant well to encourage new growth.

Different Types of Roses:

• Climbing roses: Prune them lightly after flowering, removing dead or weak stems.
• Bush roses: Prune these more heavily to encourage strong new growth.
• Shrub roses: These are often left more natural but still benefit from light pruning to remove old wood and shape the bush.

Hopefully this guide will give you beautiful blooms. Please do pop in if you have any questions, the team will be delighted to help.