Does it look like this?
Ever wonder when is the time to prune roses for next season? I find this therapeutic, bundle up, put earbuds in and it is just you and nature. Here’s how to winter prune roses effectively:
- Timing: Prune roses in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This is usually around late February to early March, depending on your climate zone. Sometimes, based on weather, even November and later, depending on your planting zone. You want to wait until the worst of the frost has passed, but before buds begin to break dormancy.
- Tools
- Pruning Shears: Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make smooth cuts.
- Loppers: Use sharp, clean loppers for thicker branches that can’t be cut with shears.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from thorns. I find Goat Skin gloves are the most protective of all for handling our beautiful foe.
- Disinfectant Spray: Clean your tools before and after use to prevent disease spread. I like to use a bleach spray (1 part water to parts bleach). Allow to dry before using.
- Inspect the Plant
- Look for Dead, Damaged, or Diseased Canes: Remove any canes that are blackened, dead, diseased, or damaged by frost. Start by removing all dead, damaged, or diseased canes all the way to the base. These will appear brown or black inside when cut.
- Check for Weak Growth: Thin, weak, or spindly growth should be cut back to encourage stronger new canes. If you notice any (sucker) shoots emerging from below the graft (the area where the rootstock and the rose variety are joined), remove them entirely.
Where to cut is critical.
- Cut Above a Bud: For healthy canes, prune just above a healthy outward-facing bud. This encourages the rose to grow outward rather than inward.
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/winter-protection-roses
Shaping the Plant: Aim for an open center to allow sunlight and air to reach the inner parts of the rose bush. This reduces the risk of disease.
https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/prune/how-to-prune-roses
- Cutting the Main Stems: For hybrid tea roses, you generally want to cut back to about 12–18 inches above the ground, leaving 3 to 5 strong canes. For shrub roses, you may prune more lightly, shaping the bush without cutting it back as drastically.
- Maintain a Rounded, Open Shape: Aim to maintain the natural form of the rose while ensuring air circulation in the center of the plant. Cut away crossing canes and any growth that appears to be growing inward.
- Height Control: For some varieties, you can cut back the bush to about a third of its total height. For others, like climbing roses, prune lightly, focusing on dead or weak wood and shape.
NOTE: Clear Away Debris: After pruning, remove any dead leaves or fallen canes from around the base of the plant. This helps prevent fungal diseases.
- Mulch/Compost and Protection for winter: After pruning, and that the ground is frozen (this keeps plant in suspended hibernation). I only bury the plant just over the crown base to insulate the roots and prevent frost damage. Then in the spring it is incorporated into the soil.
7. Additional Tips
- Climbing Roses: Prune climbing roses lightly, only removing dead or damaged wood. Major pruning should be done after the first major bloom.
- Tea Roses & Hybrid Roses: These often benefit from more severe pruning compared to shrub roses.
- Avoid Pruning During Severe Cold: Don’t prune during a cold snap, as it can stress the plants and invite damage.
By following these steps, you’ll help your roses grow strong and healthy, ensuring an abundant and beautiful bloom come spring.
AND NOW …
A HAPPY, HAPPY PLANT