The key points to note when pruning roses are: removing buds before flowering, pruning branches after flowering, and heavy pruning during dormancy. This article focuses on pruning methods after the growing season has begun, with the specific pruning methods in the case study section mainly targeting winter pruning.

1. Remove buds before flowering

Potted roses should not have too many buds left. Initially, leave 2-3 buds on each branch. When the new buds grow to 3-4 cm, select one flower bud for ordinary branches, and 1-2 more buds for strong branches to concentrate nutrients and promote larger and more vibrant blooms. Only 4-6 flower buds should be left for the entire potted rose, and they should be evenly distributed. Remove all other new buds.

2. Pruning after flowering

After each bloom, the flower stalks should be pruned back to about 3-5 leaves from the base, about 1 cm above the outward-pointing leaf bud. At the same time, diseased, dead, lateral, and inward-growing branches should also be removed to concentrate nutrients and promote the growth of strong new shoots. This will result in a compact shape and concentrated flowering in the potted rose.

3. Re-repair during dormancy

In late December, around the winter solstice, temperatures drop and roses will enter a dormant period, at which time they should be pruned again.

Select robust flowering branches that grow in spring and summer, retaining 2-3 buds from the base upwards, and prune the rest. Diseased, weak, old, crossing, and rootstock sprouts should be removed as much as possible. If you can prune weak branches heavily and strong branches lightly, the flowers will be more uniform in height and bloom more evenly after sprouting the following spring. After heavy pruning, roses are ready for winter.

After the new shoots emerge next spring, it's important to remove secondary and internal buds to encourage the healthy development of the first buds. The decision to retain buds depends on the strength of the branches. During pruning, pay attention to the proper arrangement of branches to promote vigorous growth of the rose.

• Post-flowering pruning during the growing season •

Besides the shaping and pruning in winter and the thinning buds in early spring, post-flowering pruning during the growing season is crucial for roses to bloom more, bloom better, and bloom continuously.

1. Pruning after the first batch of flowers

When the first batch of flowers begins to wither in May, timely and appropriate pruning is necessary.

The first batch of roses usually blooms at a relatively uniform time, typically from late April to mid-May. After flowering, pruning should be done to maintain a symmetrical plant shape, which can encourage the second batch of flowers to bloom relatively evenly in June.

The principle of pruning at this time is: prune weak branches first and high, and prune strong branches later and low. That is, for thinner and weaker branches, prune only down to the first compound leaf with 5 leaflets below the flower, and then retain one strong bud. For very vigorous branches, 1/3 to 1/2 can be pruned, but not more than 1/2, otherwise the lower axillary buds will sprout late, resulting in uneven opening of the second batch of flowers. Then retain 2 strong buds.

After pruning, withhold water and wait for new buds to unfold before applying fertilizer and watering again to encourage the second batch of flowers to bloom uniformly.

2. Pruning after the second batch of flowers

After the second bloom, the high temperatures and rainy season begin, and most rose varieties enter a semi-dormant state. The new shoots that emerge are numerous, weak, and produce poor-quality flowers. During this period, avoid heavy pruning; only remove overlapping and crossing buds to maintain good ventilation and light penetration. If necessary, remove flower buds to encourage stronger branches and prepare for peak bloom in October.

October is the second peak blooming season for roses. Depending on the flowering speed and growth vigor of different varieties, pruning should begin after early August, using the branches of the second batch of flowers as a base, cutting off about 1/3 of their length.

Because short-stemmed roses bloom quickly, pruning of short-stemmed and vigorous varieties can be delayed by one week. Long-stemmed roses bloom slowly, and can be pruned 10 days earlier, along with weaker varieties. If the temperature and sunlight are suitable in the autumn, a vigorous flowering peak can occur in October.

When pruning roses during the growing season, make sure the cut is 1.0 to 1.5 cm away from the bud to prevent water loss from the cut, which could affect the normal branching, budding, and flowering of the bud.

Trimming Tips

Feeling like a beginner and hesitant to prune? Don't worry! Roses are very forgiving. Whether you prune high or low, or leave inward or outward buds, it doesn't make a big difference in the long run. If the rose doesn't grow in the desired shape or direction after pruning, simply prune it again to correct it. Once you realize that not many people can make mistakes, you'll find the whole pruning process quite easy.

However, the following should be noted when pruning:

1. Do not prune old roses (one-flowering varieties) at an inappropriate time. Old roses bloom on branches that grow in spring. If you prune them at this time, you will cut off the spring flowers.

2. Do not prune newly planted roses. Newly planted roses need to establish a strong root system, and pruning should not be done during this period (except for dead branches).

3. Roses planted in the same year should be lightly pruned. Although roses planted in the same year have grown for a season, they may not have grown many branches, so they should be lightly pruned to promote better growth in the future.

4. For weak plants, perform heavy pruning, generally cutting off 2/3 of the entire plant and retaining 2-4 main branches. This method is commonly used for potted large-flowered roses.

5. For plants with normal growth and a symmetrical shape, medium pruning can be performed, cutting off about 1/2 of the plant. This method is suitable for prolific flowering varieties that easily produce shoots.

6. For vigorous plants, perform light pruning, cutting off about 1/3. This method is suitable for pruning plants such as flowering roses.