Pruning Roses

Pruning roses  the traditional way was for a long time considered to be the only way to prune roses.  There is a newer, though well tested and tried method that is just as successful and you can find this simple rose pruning method at the bottom of this page.  This page will  first look at the 3 different styles of pruning rose bushes traditionally .

Hard Pruning Roses

The stems are pruned back to 3-4 buds from the bottom.  This should result in stems about 6 inches long.

This method of pruning rose bushes is mainly used for newly planted rose bushes.  It is not recommended to use this on established roses unless they are badly in need of rejuvenation…  Hard pruning rose bushes is never recommended for floribunda type roses.

Moderate Pruning Rose Bushes.

With this type of pruning stems are only cut back to about half their length.  If the rose is particularly weak a harder prune is recommended.  Moderate pruning is recommended for Hybrid Tea Type roses.  If using on floribunda type roses make sure to keep the stems at the same length to achieve even distribution of blooms.

Light Pruning Roses

In this case rose bushes are pruned back to about two-thirds of their length.  Old or diseased stems are removed totally.

When to prune roses.

If your roses were planted in Autumn or Winter or are established then the best time for pruning roses such as these is in early spring. If you are planting new roses in the spring prune them prior to planting. Pruning roses at this time when the sap is rising is the ideal time.

The only disadvantage of pruning roses in the Spring is the danger of strong winds rocking the roots of the rose loose in their bed. This is especially a problem if you are growing long stem roses. You can avoid this problem by cutting those long stem roses back in November.

Pruning Roses- the easy way.

Just because this is the easy way of pruning roses does not mean it is effective. This method of rose pruning has proven to be every bit as good as the traditional method. This method has been rigorously tested by the Royal National Rose Society in Britain since the 1990’s with great success.

It works like this

1. Simply prune the rose bush to half its height.
2. Remove very old or diseased stems.
3. Leave everything else alone.

It is as simple as that, of course using a sharp secateurs and following the guide as to when to prune roses and making the right cuts still apply. But you can now prune your roses this way without worrying about all the different styles. Cut in half using a good tool and at the right time. Pruning roses has never been easier.

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