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Want more rose blossoms?
It’s all about timing and technique.
Learn when and how to prune your roses for the best blooms. Follow these easy tips to get your garden looking stunning.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
When to Prune Your Roses
Timing is everything with roses. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, right when you start to see new growth.
This usually falls somewhere between January and April, depending on where you live. Keep an eye on the weather and your roses, and wait for the frost to pass.
A good rule of thumb is to prune just as the buds begin to swell.
Get the Right Tools
Before you start, make sure you’ve got the right tools. Sharp, clean pruners are essential.
Dull blades can damage your roses, making them more susceptible to disease. You might also want gloves to protect your hands from thorns and a small saw for thicker branches.
Keep some rubbing alcohol handy to sterilize your tools between cuts.
Start with the Dead Stuff
First things first, get rid of the dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Cut these branches back to the base of the plant or to healthy, outward-facing buds.
Removing these problem areas will encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation, helping to prevent future issues. Plus, it clears out the clutter, so you can see what you’re working with.
Shape It Up
Now that the dead stuff is gone, focus on the overall shape of your rose bush. Aim for an open, vase-like shape.
This helps sunlight reach all parts of the plant and improves air circulation. Cut back any branches that cross or rub against each other.
Try to make your cuts about a quarter-inch above an outward-facing bud to encourage growth in the right direction.
Trim the Suckers
Suckers are those sneaky little shoots that pop up from the base of the plant, often below the graft union. These guys can sap energy from your main rose bush.
Trim them off right at the base to keep them from taking over. If you’re not sure if a shoot is a sucker, follow it down to its origin – true rose shoots usually join the main stem higher up.
Don’t Forget the Clean-Up
After you’re done pruning, make sure to clean up all your cuttings and any dead leaves around the base of the plant. This helps prevent pests and diseases from getting a foothold.
If you’re feeling extra diligent, give your roses a good feed with some balanced fertilizer and a layer of mulch to help them recover from their trim and get ready to bloom.