Our simple guide on how to prune roses

Roses are a firm favourite amongst many gardeners and they are relatively easy to grow once you learn the basics. Pruning is a vital part of keeping your rose not only healthy but it also helps the appearance and the lifespan of the rose. 

We recommend pruning in late winter (Feb/March) however this can vary for specific types of Roses. 

Before you start ensure you have a good, sharp pair of secateurs as you need your cuts to be clean and sharp. You may also want to wear some long gloves and wear something with long sleeves on. 

1. We would first of all recommend that you cut away any dead wood right back to the base. If you cut into the wood and it is brown and crispy, then it is dead, if you cut into it and it is green then its still living so leave this.
2. When you prune a rose you want to take around 1/4 of it back, always cut above an outward facing bud. Cut at a 45 degree angle sloping away from the bud so that the water can run off. The reason that we recommend you cut above an outward facing bud is because you want new stems to grow outwards and not inwards.
3. Take out any crossing branches especially around the centre of the plant as this can cause damage and can encourage disease. As stated earlier, you want the new stems to grow outwards and not inwards.
4. You want to aim to well spaced stems that allow free air flow.
5. Remove any thin growth, any growth which is very thin and weak we would recommend that you remove.
6. When you have finished pruning ensure that you clean up around your roses. Do not leave any leaves or branches around as they could have disease or pests on them.
7. Roses are very hungry plants, once you have finished pruning give them a good feed.

The final step is to enjoy your beautiful blooms in the Summer time!