How to Prune Roses: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pruning intimidates some gardeners, but understanding the reasons behind the cuts makes it less daunting. Here are the three main reasons to prune:

Health: Cut dead or damaged canes back to green wood in late winter or early spring before growth resumes. Remove diseased canes when noticed. Improve air circulation by removing canes that grow into the center of the plant.

Appearance: Bushy modern roses need help maintaining a compact, open form. Heirloom roses require less pruning as their lax, twiggy look is part of their charm. Deadheading (cutting off spent flowers) encourages reblooming.

Control: Some roses grow with wild abandon. Keep them within bounds by pruning tips or entire canes anytime.

What You Need

• Pruners

Instructions

1. A little pruning: Every time you cut a rose bloom for indoors, you prune the plant. This is mild compared to seasonal pruning. Roses grow from the cut point, so consider overall shape as you snip.

Prune canes that appear weak or broken.

2. Healthy cuts: Healthy canes appear green or reddish; old and dying canes turn brown. Prune out diseased, weak, broken, or dead canes whenever seen. Cut back to green wood or close to the bud union (swelling at base where canes join roots).

Aim for a vase-shaped bush.

3. Overall look: Cut out crossing canes, saving the better one. On modern or grafted roses, prune away suckers (canes from rootstock). Aim for a vase-shaped bush with an open center. Keep plant symmetrical and balanced. Arching and climbing roses require little pruning; train them to their support and prune after blooming. Remove old and weak canes.

Slant cut away from bud to encourage growth.

4. Proper cut: Cut canes at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf bud (swelling on the cane). Slant the cut away from the bud to encourage outward growth. Clean pruners after every use to prevent disease spread. Keep pruners sharp for clean cuts.