|  Pruning
Roses
For
new gardeners particularly, pruning roses can be problematic.
When do you do it and how?
Why Prune Roses?
- Promotes strong healthy
growth
- Removes dead or diseased
wood
- Allows shaping of the
plant into a desirable shape
Equipment
- Good quality, sharp secateurs
or pruning knife
- A pruning saw can also
be helpful for larger branches
- Strong, thornproof gloves
Basic Method
Look for a bud (usually tiny next to a 'ring' on
the shoot you want to prune), cut at a sloping angle just
above the bud. Look for a bud pointing in the direction
that you want a new branch to grow to make an attractive
shape. Avoid leaving 'spurs', short bits of branches, just
a few inches long coming from another branch. It is better
to cut it off at the junction otherwise the spur will probably
die and can cause dieback
along the adjoining stem.
Remove any dead, dying or
diseased branches. Always cut right back to healthy growth
even if you think it will leave a pitifully small plant.
Also remove spindly, thin branches, especially those where
growth is sparse.
When to Prune
This should be done when roses are semi or completely dormant,
ie between autumn and spring. If your garden is subject
to winter gales, it is advisable to do some light pruning
in autumn. Just reduce the height of the stems so that the
plants aren't rocked in strong winds which can cause root
damage.
In spring, when the danger
of severe frosts has passed but before the roses have started
to grow, do the main pruning according to the type
of roses you have. Whatever type you have, though, remove
any branches that have been damaged by frost. Also, new
roses should be pruned to about 3 inches above the ground
to encourage strong growth and healthy roots. Climbing roses
are the exception and should not be pruned severely.
Hybrid Tea Roses
Follow the
general guidelines above. Additionally, ideally hybrid teas
should be cut right down to about 8 to 10 inches above the
ground. In very mild areas, they can be left longer, up
to about 24 inches.
Floribundas
All shoots
should be reduced by about 1/3 to 2/3 in length. As described
above, all dead or diseased wood should be removed. More
severe pruning will reduce the number of flowers.
Shrub Roses
Only lightly
prune these types of roses because flowers are borne on
older wood. Severe pruning will drastically cut the numbers
of blooms in summer. Reduce the height of some of the oldest
shoots each spring to encourage new growth to replace old
branches. Otherwise just cut out dead or diseased wood.
Climbers
These really
should only be pruned to removed dead or diseased wood or
any spindly shoots with few leaves or flowers. If they are
taking up too much room or becoming heavily congested, you
can shorten shoots. As the bottom of main stems become bare,
you can cut back just one or two of them each season to
encourage new shoots. Prune climbers, where necessary, in
autumn.
Ramblers
Ramblers are
so vigorous that they can become an unmanageable tangle,
restricting the circulation of air and so encouraging pests
and diseases. These roses should be pruned in late summer.
Cut about a quarter of the oldest stems down to the ground.
Cut back sideshoots by about 2/3, prune out dead and diseased
wood and any shoots that are contributing, or will contribute,
to a tangled appearance. Always prune back to a bud or a
junction of two shoots, don't leave spurs - see above.
Miniature Roses
Generally,
these should only be given a light pruning to keep them
healthy as described in general advice above. The only additional
point is to cut back any shoots that are especially vigorous
and give the plant an uneven appearance.
See more about roses.
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