"How do I prune my roses?" is a very common question and one that often puts terror in the eyes of the new rose grower. Yet the pruning of roses, especially the lower maintenance shrub roses, is quite simple and easy to master.
Seasonal pruning of roses begins in the spring as our snow melts and leaves begin to appear once again on our plants. The first step is the remove any materials broken or killed by the winter. Begin by simply removing any broken branches. Now attempt to remove any stem or portion of stem that has not survived the winter. Winter-damaged growth will be black in comparison to the green growth of surviving tissue. Simply remove the blackened stems down to the remaining green growth. Once this is done, step back and look at what remains. Your second goal of spring pruning is to create a symmetrical look to the plants. Reduce the size of the largest stems down to the height of the smallest stems. Now make one final cut on each stem to encourage strong, healthy growth. This cut should be made about 1/8th of an inch above a bud or developing stem that faces outward. With this, your spring pruning is complete.
As the season progresses, your rose will grow and flower throughout the year. As the flowers fade and the petals eventually fall, it becomes time to change to deadheading mode. Deadheading is the technical term for removing the spent blossoms. Once the flowers have faded, prune back the flowering stem to just above a leaf comprised of 5 healthy leaflets. By doing so, you will promote a strong, new shoot to grow in its place that will eventually develop buds and flowers in about 3-4 weeks.
Fall pruning is even easier...there is none! As we reach the early fall, stop all pruning on your roses, even the deadheading. This will encourage the plant to think winter and prepare for the long months ahead. Next spring simple repeat the process and your roses will be the shapeliest in the neighborhood.
