Rose Pruning
Hybrid Tea, Floribunda & Grandiflora Roses
Quick Tips:
- For Hybrid Tea, Floribunda and Grandiflora roses prune in the spring after the last hard frost.
- For best results cut them back to 10 to 18 inches. On top of this ensure that all branches that have been damaged over winter are cut back to green wood, even if this goes below the 10 inch mark. This is not a concern because the rose will quickly create new growth with the warming temperatures.
- Never prune in the fall or winter, as this is the time roses are preparing for dormancy, and you do not want to create unnecessary growth.
Climbing Roses
Quick Tips:
- Climbing Roses are the exception as it is best to prune after the plant has finished blooming. This helps to avoid cutting off flowering buds.
- This pruning should only be done as needed to control the size of the climbing rose.
- Removing the older wood and pruning sparingly is advised because the top of the plant is needed for blooming.
Landscape Shrub Roses
Quick Tips:
- When it comes to pruning landscape shrub roses it is best to cut them back in the early spring after the last hard frost.
- The best way to promote healthy growth and increase flowers is to shear the shrub down to around one third or half of its height.
- This is best done with hedge trimmers or loopers. Going as low as 12 to 18 inches above the ground is suitable.
- Ensure that all branches that have been damaged over winter are cut back to green wood, even if this goes below the 12 inch mark. This is not a concern because the rose will quickly create new growth with the warming temperatures.
- Never prune in the fall or winter, as this is the time roses are preparing for dormancy, and you do not want to create unnecessary growth.