How to Prune Roses

Anyone Can Prune Roses! Many gardeners feel that to grow and prune beautiful roses is for the experts, but this is not the case. Armed with a little bit of knowledge and a few pointers could open a whole vista of knowledge. What, then, is the main purpose of pruning roses?

• Pruning roses will encourage new shoots and good blooms.
• Pruning will remove dead wood, hence encouraging growth.
• Pruning improves circulation of air to the plant.
• Pruning gives the rose bush a lovely and pleasing shape.

• You will need pruners when pruning your rose bushes.
• Thick gloves are essential to avoid injuries to your hands.
• You will also need to make use of long-handled loppers to reach those hard-to-reach areas.

• Prune roses so that the center of the plant is opened up in order for the air and light to circulate.
• Always use tools that are clean and sharp.
• Always cut the branches at a 45 degree angle and just above the bud that is facing towards the outside of the rose bush.
• Always prune from the base upwards.
• The cut must be clean and never ragged so that the plant does not become infected by disease.
• Remove any and all dead wood.
• Seal the cut with sealer to prevent disease.
• Always remember to remove sucker growth.
• Remove remaining foliage.
• Remove any thin and twiggy branches.