How to prune roses
Rose pruning time
After frost
After the last frost has passed, which could be January or February, depending on where you live, is the best time to deadhead because there won't be another frost so you don't have to worry about freezing your roses after you prune them.
After the sprouts grow
Prune after the new buds start to swell. The buds are a sign of pruning. When the new buds have just grown, pruning at this time will not cause any harm to the rose. At this time, you need to check whether there are buds and leaves growing on the stems. If the rose has not shown any signs of growth since the fall, wait a few weeks after the buds grow before pruning.
Pruning according to variety
Some roses need to be pruned after flowering, while others need to be pruned during dormancy. The way to judge is: roses grow new branches in spring and bloom on new branches, which means they can be pruned during dormancy; if the flowers bloom on old branches, the branches need to be cut off after flowering.
The correct way to prune roses
Preparing tools
Make sure you have a good pair of pruning tools, scissors for small branches and loppers for larger branches. Make sure your tools are sharp enough to ensure a smooth, clean cut.
disinfect
Clean the scissors with alcohol before pruning, and rinse them after each pruning. This can prevent the disease from spreading between branches.
Pruning pose
Pruning at a 45-degree angle will allow the juice in the branches to flow downwards, which can also effectively prevent infection by pathogens. Do not aim the cut surface at the center of the plant.
Choosing the pruning position to cut the branches above the buds can transfer the plant's energy to the buds and promote the growth of the branches.
After pruning, apply a layer of white glue or wood ash on the cut to disinfect it, which can effectively avoid interference from pests and diseases.
Prune dead branches to make roses healthier
Clean up dead branches
For dead branches that cannot grow new branches, timely pruning can also save nutrients.
Prune weak or intersecting branches. Thin branches and branches that cross toward the center of the bush should be pruned cleanly from the base. These branches and leaves will affect air circulation and the health of the bush.
To give the rose bush the desired shape, prune the remaining branches. Cut them 0.6 cm outside the outward buds so that the branches grow outward.
Remove the dying flowers
As the rose grows, it will bloom and eventually wither. Removing these withered flowers in time is good for the healthy growth of the rose.
Weeding
Many weeds will grow around roses. Remove them in time and cut them off from the roots instead of cutting them off.