What Is The Right Way To Prune Roses?

Pruning roses is a good idea for a number of reasons. It encourages vigorous growth, cuts out dead and diseased wood and makes a better shape of the plant.

Bush roses should be pruned in March or early April. Cut out all dead and weak shoots first. Shorten the remainder to about half their length. Cut back into previous year's growth. Take out everything pointing into the middle so as to remove congestion. When the plant starts to sprout, rub out any double shoots or any growing inwards.

Climbing roses should be pruned in April. Again cut out awkwardly placed shoots and dead ones first. Shorten the remaining ones slightly. With rambler roses cut away all shoots that have born flowers. Tie the new shoots to the supports. Prune as soon as flowering has finished. Use a sharp knife or secateurs and angle the cut to allow rain to run off. Trim any places where the cut is ragged. Burn the prunings to prevent the spread of disease.