How do different rose types affect pruning?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.To prune rose bushes properly, you'll cut each type of rose differently. Hybrid teas need hard pruning, while climbers typically require much less. I learned this lesson when I accidentally pruned a heritage climber too much. Use a varied technique to prune rose bush types, as each grows differently and has a particular "habit." Your pruning technique should match the plant's growth habit.
Hybrid teas produce their best blooms when pruned firmly. I would recommend reducing the plant to a height of 12 to 18 inches above the ground during dormancy. I like to select five to seven of the strongest canes spaced evenly at the base of the plant and remove everything else completely. Each year, I try to prune my rose bushes a little more harshly to maximize the size of their exhibition blooms. Hard pruning promotes new flowering wood and can be extremely beneficial to the plant.
Climbing Roses
- Flowers develop on older wood
- Never cut main structural canes
- Only trim lateral branches after flowering
Antique Varieties
- Many bloom once on previous year's growth
- Prune immediately after flowering
- Preserve natural arching form
Groundcover roses require an entirely different management strategy. While the plant is dormant, use hedge shears to maintain its shape and appearance. Ideally, cut the rose back to a height of 6 to 12 inches above ground level. The goal is to avoid selective pruning, which creates holes. I shear mine like boxwoods, so that they look uniform and even. This method has the benefit of maintaining a denser and more floriferous groundcover.
Bloom cycles determine when to prune antique varieties -- once-blooming roses set buds on last year's growth. Prune them after they finish flowering. Repeat bloomers are handled with normal dormant pruning. I have a separate schedule for my antique collection. I do this out of respect for their nature and to retain their charm.
The particulars of the research that you should accomplish before cutting any rose are listed in the American Rose Society's guides. When I add a new variety, I photograph the name tags to refer to later. This way, I won't confuse pruning. Your roses will have the most appeal when pruned according to their genetic plan.
Climber training requires planning over time. Main canes should be staked horizontally along supports. This allows for flowering laterals to grow along its length. I use soft ties to minimize stem damage. When finished blooming, prune laterals back to 3-4 buds. This method provides the best coverage of the flower.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Steps for Pruning Rose Bushes
