How much should I prune off my roses?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.The health and floral output of rose bushes is determined by the cuts made at the time of renewal. The different proportions of removal are significantly related to the age of the plant. A new bush would require minimal cuts to allow for root initiation and development. A more established, mature rose would typically respond to more aggressive removal. An example is that I change my method yearly based on the plant's growth habit. If you follow these detailed guidelines, your bushes will thrive.
Making a proper cane selection is key to having a good structure. Per plant, only keep the top five to eight healthiest canes. Select canes that are growing outward from the center. Once they are identified, make sure they are equidistantly spaced. Any inward-growing or crossing branches should be removed altogether. I tend to mark with garden tape where my keepers are before making any cuts, and then you have a visual marker, so you're not cutting anything you want to keep.
Dead Wood Removal
- Scrape bark to identify dead tissue (brown beneath)
- Cut completely back to the base
- Disinfect tools after each dead cane removal
Weak Growth Identification
- Measure stems thinner than pencil diameter
- Remove spindly growth at its origin
- Cut water sprouts vertically from main branches
Thin stems are taking energy from the plant. They do not produce good blooms. Look for weak growth, as thin as a pencil. Take these back to the base of the plant. Vertical water sprouts need to come out, too. I keep a pencil in my tool kit for comparison. This straightforward tip changed the health of my roses.
Mature roses will benefit from being renewed by pruning. Each year, you can remove up to half of the older wood. This encourages strong flowering canes. To accomplish this, I alternate which older canes I am removing from year to year to ensure blooms are produced throughout the season. Regardless of the canes you remove and leave behind, always prune back to outward buds for proper regrowth direction.
Recovery care is a process to manage the tree's response to stress from pruning. Water thoroughly after large-scale trimming. Compost tea will help promote root growth. Do not fertilize until new growth appears. I wrap newly cut large canes with wet burlap, keeping them moist while the plant recovers from pruning.
Timing in the season plays a role in how much to take off. In the spring, you can prune with renewed vigor. In the summer, when you deadhead, you will take off the least amount. I keep records of pruning to track how much I remove each season, which allows me to fine-tune future pruning. The result is that your roses will appreciate it with plenty of healthy growth.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Steps for Pruning Rose Bushes
