Rose Pruning Guide: Hybrid Teas, Shrubs, and Groundcovers

Hybrid Tea Roses (Heavy Winter Pruning)

• Remove all dead wood and weak/twiggy branches (cut flush with bud union).
• Cut center-crossing branches for vase shape. Hot climates: shorten instead to shade bud union.
• Mild climates: shorten remaining healthy growth by ⅓.
• Cold climates: remove all dead/injured stems (may result in shorter bush).

Shrub Roses

• Remove dead growth; prune old/weak/diseased canes; cut back wayward stems.
• To reduce height and increase bushiness: shear back ⅓ to ½.

Groundcover Roses (e.g., Flower Carpet)

• Cut stems back by ⅓.
• For prostrate form: cut vertical stems to main stem.

Proper Cutting Technique

• 45° angle, ¼ in. above outward-facing bud.
• Clean cut, no bark tearing, no stubs.
• Always cut above a five-leaflet leaf.

Year-Round Rose Care Calendar

January (Zones 4–9, 12–24): Plant bare-root (wrap roots, plant immediately or heel in). Prune above freezing. Dormant spray: horticultural oil ± lime sulfur/fixed copper.

February (Zones 4–9, 12–24): Finish planting/pruning. Dormant sprays. Low desert (zone 13): feed when buds swell.

March (Zones 4–24): Feed high-nitrogen (20-10-10) at bud swell; repeat every 4–6 weeks through October.

April (Zones 1–3): Plant/prune bare-root. (Zones 4–24): Mulch 1–3 in.; blast aphids; spray insecticidal soap if heavy.

May (Zones 1–3): Fertilize; finish pruning. (Zones 4–24): Water new plantings/potted; high-N feed; deadhead above five-leaflet leaf.

June–August (All zones): Feed, water, weed, mulch, deadhead. Water-spray + insecticidal soap for aphids/mites. Clean up diseased leaves (don't compost).

September (All zones): Deadhead; renew mulch. (Zones 4–24): Half-dose liquid feed after fall flush; irrigate as needed.

October (All zones): Deadhead, water.

November (All zones): Clean leaves/petals; knock down basins; deadhead. (Zones 1–3): Mound soil over bud union; wire cylinder + straw/leaves for winter.

December (Zones 7–24): Dormant spray for overwintering pests/diseases. (Zone 13): Plant bare-root on arrival.

Oils & Soaps Explained

• Insecticidal soap: Special fatty acids; low human toxicity; targets small insects/mites. Focus spray to spare beneficials.
• Horticultural oil: Smothers insects/eggs. Dormant oil (winter) for overwintering pests on deciduous plants. Summer oil (after leaf-out) for aphids, mites, eggs. Test small area first—can burn sensitive leaves.