Pruning Roses - Four Simple Rules To Follow
Caring for roses includes two important aspects: pruning and deadheading. Of course, how to do those things is subject to debate. In fact, there are probably as many different perspectives on how and when to prune as there are roses that need it.
If you are a new rosarian this article will help you get started. Experienced rosarians probably have their own tried and true methods and know what works best for them. Over time you may come across new methods or modify some of these. As long as your roses flourish, experimenting with new techniques can’t hurt.
Many people are afraid to try rose pruning because they feel it will be a daunting task. When it comes down to it, however, beyond some basic common sense, there are only four simple rules to follow. As long as you apply these rules whenever you set out to the task of pruning your roses, your hard work will be evident in the beautiful bushes in your garden.
- Trim and shape your roses as they grow so you will have prim and proper looking plants instead of wild and wooly ones.
- Always trim the center of your bushes. This will deter insects and allow good airflow which helps to keep down the risk of fungal infections.
- Prune away branches that touch each other to allow for a stronger, healthier plant.
- Prune away dead or decayed growth. This ensures healthier looking bushes and deters insects.
Always use sharp pruning shears and clean them after each use to prevent spreading disease and remove any fungus spores. Seal the pruning cuts with Elmer’s glue. No need to buy any higher grade glue, because Elmer’s works just as well.
Pruning Techniques
Hard or Low Pruning - The system here is just to cut canes back to three or four buds from the base or the bud unions in order to produce stronger canes with lengths of about 4 to 5 inches. This is perfect specially for the new hybrid tea, floribunda or and grand flora varieties. However, this is not advisable with established bushes as they may no longer recycle, unless as a last resort to save dying or abandoned ones.
Medium or Moderate Pruning - Grandifloras, tree roses, hybrid teas and floribundas flourish when pruned modestly. Thick stems should be cut in half lengthwise and weak stems can be cut back further.
Light or High Pruning - When all other techniques seem to fail then light pruning may be used. This is simply done by cutting the canes back to about 2/3 of their length. If necessary, you can cut back even more for weaker stems and remove all other unwanted wood. Then the remaining stems are "tipped". This technique is effective for rose bushes that are really an eyesore in the first place, but it is not actually recommended for most bushes as it generally pre-empts growth by producing early blooms and less-developed flowers.