Pruning Roses

Prune roses in the early spring when the buds begin to swell. This will usually occur in late February or March. Look for pointed red or pink buds along the stems. Prune out any dead, damaged or diseased canes all the way to the ground or back to healthy growth. Remove any crossing or rubbing branches. Long canes may be reduced by about half. Hybrid Tea roses do best when pruned to an open vase shape where the center of the plant is opened up and the branches are directed outward from the middle. Make pruning cuts just above an outward facing bud. Whichever way the bud is pointing will determine the direction the new branch will grow. Do not prune roses all the way to the ground every year, it is not necessary and stresses the plant. Fall pruning should consist of shortening overly long branches to prevent whipping in the wind. Major pruning should be left until spring. Heavy pruning in the fall may result in excessive frost damage to vulnerable cut branches.

To learn more: Planting and Caring for Roses