How to Properly Prune Lady Banks Roses for Graceful Growth

Understanding Lady Banks Rose Pruning

A reader writes in about their Lady Banks rose that was severely pruned by a landscape company using a mini chainsaw, leaving only ugly sticks. They want to know exactly where and when to prune to prevent this from happening again.

Expert Pruning Advice

First, decide what shape you want your rambler to achieve. If you prefer a graceful, draping habit, preserve the main thickest canes as your structural framework and position them where they'll create the desired look. Then, cut back the long lateral growth along these main canes by about half.

For example, that main cane curving toward the right side of the photo? Cut it back by half from its tip. Position your main canes first, then reduce the laterals emerging from them by roughly 50%.

While the landscape company's work looks brutal, don't despair—Lady Banks roses are resilient and will bounce back attractively next season. Using an electric saw isn't the problem; it's how you use it. A saw cuts indiscriminately, so you must control exactly what gets removed.

Critical Timing for Flowers

Lady Banks roses bloom on the previous year's growth. If you want flowers next spring, go easy on cutting off the growth that developed this year—those canes already have flower buds set for next season's display.