Did you know that the best time to prune your rose bushes is before they start to come out of dormancy in early spring?
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of most rose bushes. It not only enhances their appearance but also improves air circulation, lowers the risk of disease, and promotes fresh growth and blooming.
But in spite of what many might think, the best time for that pruning is not once the bush has started to produce its foliage in early spring. Nor is it in summer or fall when the bush is still actively growing. Why? Because pruning at all of these times can actually do more harm than good for the plant.
Why Pruning In Late Winter Is Best
There are actually quite a few advantages for late winter pruning of rose bushes. First off, there is the ease of it all. After all, by late winter, rose bushes have already shed their leaves, making it much easier to see and trim them properly.
But the biggest advantage is that since the plant isn’t actively growing, there’s far less risk of winter damage. Pruning while a plant is actively growing in the spring and summer can stress it out, slowing its overall development.
Open cuts in warm, humid conditions can also attract pests and diseases more easily. In addition, cutting back too much during the growing season can remove buds and flowers, leading to fewer blooms. And what about fall versus late winter pruning?
Pruning in late winter is also better than in the fall because it prevents the bush from sending out new, late season growth. If the weather stays warm for too long, roses will often start growing new shoots after pruning. These fresh shoots are delicate and more likely to be harmed by harsh winter conditions, which can weaken the entire bush.
So know that we know why pruning roses is best in late winter – here a look at the tools you will need for the task – and how to prune your bushes like a pro!
What You Will Need To Prune
Before you start pruning your rose bushes, you will need to have a few important items on hand. First, wear thick gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself. Rose bushes have sharp thorns that can scratch your skin and, in rare cases, even cause infections. It’s best to stay safe and take precautions.
You’ll also need a pair of hand pruners for small cuts. For thicker branches, a good pair of loppers will come in handy. Affiliate Link: WORKPRO W151010 Limb and Branch Pruner Tool Set
Make sure your tools are sharp. Dull blades can make rough cuts, which can tear and harm the plant over time. Last but not least, you will need a cloth and some rubbing alcohol, disinfectant, or bleach wipes to wipe down the blades of your cutting tools.
This is a very critical step as disease can easily transfer from bush to bush. Always wipe down your blades after cutting each bush to prevent issues. Affiliate Link: Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution Spray
How To Prune Your Rose Bushes In Late Winter
Different types of roses require different pruning methods. Some bush types can handle heavy cutting in winter, while others only need light trimming and the removal of dead wood.
Understanding when and how to prune different types of roses is key to helping them bloom well. Some roses produce flowers on new growth, while others bloom on older, more established branches. Some varieties only flower once a season, while others keep blooming throughout the warmer months.
Cutting at the wrong time can reduce the number of blooms in spring and summer. If you’re unsure what type of rose you have, allow it to go through one full growing season without pruning. This will give you a better idea of its blooming pattern before you start pruning. Now, let’s go over the most common types of roses and the best way to prune them in winter!
How To Prune Rose Bushes That Bloom All Season
Some roses, such as climbing roses, bloom multiple times a year and will not require as much pruning. Climbing roses, in particular, grow flowers on older, mature branches. Because of this, avoid pruning them for the first couple of years after planting.
In late winter or early spring, only remove dead or damaged branches if necessary. Cutting too much can reduce future blooms. After about three to four years, you can trim back unwanted canes or shape the plant as needed.
Climbing roses have both main and side branches, but pruning the side branches can encourage more blooms. If heavy pruning is needed, wait until after they finish blooming at the end of summer rather than doing it in winter or early spring.
Shrub roses grow flowers on new branches. Like climbing roses, they shouldn’t be pruned in their first couple of years. Once established, start pruning in late winter or early spring by removing any old or broken canes at the base.
If needed, you can trim the entire plant back to about one-third of its size to keep it healthy and well-shaped. As for fertilizing these bushes, an early spring application is a must for these plants! See: How To Fertilize Rose Bushes For Spring – Get Your Roses Ready To Bloom.
Pruning Hybrid Tea & Grandiflora Rose Bushes
Hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora roses bloom several times throughout the growing season. Since they grow flowers on new branches, they respond well to heavy pruning.
The best time to prune these roses is in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts. Cut the main stems down to about a foot above the ground to help them grow strong and healthy. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches. Also, trim away any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as they can cause damage over time.
After removing damaged or dead wood, step back and look at the overall shape of the bush. Aim to create a “V” shape with several sturdy stems growing upward from the base. You can trim away up to 40% of the old growth, focusing on opening up the center of the plant.
This improves airflow, allows sunlight to reach all parts of the bush, and makes it easier for pollinators to access. Always start by cutting off dead, diseased, or broken branches.
Next, remove any stems growing inward or crossing over others. Make each cut about a quarter-inch above an outward-facing bud at a 45º angle. This helps direct new growth outward rather than toward the center of the plant.
Additionally, remove any thin, weak branches that are smaller than a pencil in width. If you notice suckers growing from the base or below the graft, trim them off completely at the ground level or where they attach to the main canes. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy, productive growth.
How To Prune Old Rose Bushes & Shrubs
Old-fashioned roses and shrubs that bloom only once a year grow flowers on old wood. In late winter, trim away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. That’s all the pruning they need at this time—cutting more could remove buds and reduce blooms for the season.
Once the flowers fade, you can prune more aggressively to maintain the shape and size of the shrub. These roses will grow back strong and healthy, producing fresh growth for the next blooming season.
Here is to getting your roses in shape for spring and summer with a little late winter pruning!
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