Pruning Tree Roses: Managing Dieback and Understanding Their Unique Structure

What a Tree Rose Really Is

A tree rose (standard) is a tall Rosa rugosa understock budded with a modern rose variety in three places at the top. Essentially, you have three shrub roses fused onto a single trunk.

Pruning Guidelines

• In early spring, cut the top growth back to about 8 inches to stimulate a compact, rounded head.
• Remove any dead wood back to live tissue.
• If an entire budded section dies (common because the elevated crown suffers more cold), that section is lost.

Watering Is Critical

Tree roses dry out faster than bush roses because their root crown is exposed. Water daily in heat, every 3 days in normal summer weather. Mulch heavily.