Rose Bush Pruning

Posted: Jun 05, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Rose pruning is one of those necessary chores; people seem to have reservations about how and when to carry out the task, but its not difficult, and any ‘mis-cuts' will be remedied with time. Most gardeners prune every year following procedures that might be specific to the different varieties.

What To Prune

Rose bushes need pruning to remove diseased or dead canes and to open up the center of the plant to allow for greater air circulation. Take a look at the plant and decide what needs to be removed. 

Beginning at the bottom of the plant, make the cuts at sharp 45 degree angles, always cutting about a quarter of an inch above a new bud.  It's better to keep  buds facing outward where they can grow easily without crowding the other branches, inward facing buds can be eliminated.

Pruning targets old, dead canes and thin, wispy branches. A good rule of thumb is to remove one third of the canes, taking the oldest ones first. This opens up the plant, reducing moisture and  potential mildew and gives roses a better overall appearance. Also cut away suckers from around the base of the plant.

How And When To Prune

How to prune and when to prune depends on the variety of rose and the climate zone. Plants that flower once a year have different needs; when forsythias begin to bloom in early spring it's time to prune the once-a-year varieties. Cut the canes at varied lengths so the bush looks natural, with heights of roughly 18 to 24 inches.

For varieties with multiple blooming habits, the woody stems are necessary for flowers. These roses don't need to be pruned the first year, and on the second year you only need to remove the oldest third of the stems. 

One time bloomers, Centifolia, Damask, Gallica, and Alba require very little pruning. Their flowers grow on older woody stems. Wait until fall approaches and do a thorough deadheading, removing dead canes at that time.

Helpful Hints

Though pruning is relatively easy, there are a few cautionary notes. Use sharp, well–oiled pruners; ones that are cleaned frequently with rubbing alcohol. The greatest transmission of rose disease is from plant to plant, through pruners. Clean after pruning each plant, and take all cuttings out of the garden to be disposed.

When pruning, protect arms and legs from scratches by wearing long sleeved tops and pants. A good sturdy pair of gloves will help protect hands. After protecting yourself, remember to protect newly cut stems on roses by sealing the ends with a commercial sealant or a dab of Elmer's white glue. This keeps bugs and diseases from entering the plant through the open cut.

Inspect the garden to see if any plants have been missed, clean up debris, and the job is complete.

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