8 Steps to Healthy Rose Bushes

PRUNING ROSES: 8 Steps to Healthy Rose Bushes

When you know the basics of pruning roses, even inexperienced gardeners can achieve beautiful results. Do not be intimidated by pruning - rules, and warnings mainly for those who grow roses for models or exhibitions. But for the average gardener who wants beautiful, healthy rose bushes, there are only a few basics to follow.

When pruning roses

The best time to cut roses is in late winter or early spring when new growth begins. It may be in early January or late May depending on your climate.

If you want to mark your calendar or set a trimming reminder yourself, regional ratings are here:

Zones 3 and 4 - May

Zones 5, 6, and 7 - March or April

Zone 8 - February or March

Zone 9 - January or February

Zone 10 - January

Spring:

Major pruning should be done in early spring, after the last frost in cold weather, by following the 8 basic pruning steps below. Roses can tell you - when they start to bud or leaf, the time has come.

Summer:

Dead flowers can be cut at any time of summer. According to Carl Bennett, longtime rose growing manager at David Austin Roses, during the flowering season, deadheading promotes more flowering and maintains an attractive shrub.

Fall:

After the first frost, trim the long stems to keep them from breaking in winter storms. To prevent the rose bushes from uprooting in strong winds, prevent them from becoming too heavy. The crossing of the damaged branches by rubbing together should also be re-arranged. Take it easy as more pruning will stimulate growth and new growth may be damaged by frosty weather. Remove dead or diseased branches and leaves and thoroughly clean your cutting tools to prevent the disease from spreading to another plant.

8 Basic Pruning Steps

You will be surprised to learn that modern roses do not require as much pruning as you might think. Follow these steps to grow your roses:

1. Remove all remaining leaves.

This allows you to see the structure of the bush and clearly see all the canes (stems). This action eliminates pests or diseases that lurk in the foliage during the winter.

2. Start with a dead tree.

How do you know it's dead? Cut it - the brown is dead, the green lives. Cut back any deadwood at the base.

3. Open the center of the plant.

Remove the abrasive, damaging, and diseased cross branches. The goal is to have branches that go upwards with an open structure in the shape of a vase.

4. Remove thin, weak growth.

The basic rule of thumb is to remove anything thinner than a pencil.

5. Prune the remaining cane.

Prune by cutting 1/4 "to 1/2" above the bud on the outside. The goal is to encourage new stems to grow in the direction of the bud and not inward, but outward. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle away from the bud and allow water to drain.

6. Close new cuts.

Protect freshly cut canes from rot and rose borer by covering the wounds with a compound such as Bonitin Garden Rich Pruning Sealer.

7. Cleaning.

After pruning, be sure to clean the surrounding area. All leaves and cut branches should be removed as diseases and pests lurk.

8. Feed your roses.

Roses are “big eaters” and need proper nutrition, so feed them with long-term fertilizer