By John Hefner, Master Rosarian
February 9, 2024

General Information About Pruning

• The goal of pruning is to give the plant an attractive shape, remove weakened and dead wood and control the quality and quantity of flowers produced.
• Pruning opens the plant and directs new growth outward to provide better air circulation.
• Prune out dead or diseased wood anytime during the growing season, attempting not to leave any stubs.
• Pruning of climbing/rambling roses that flower only in the spring should be completed only after the bloom period is over since climbers generally boom on previous years wood.
• One-time blooming shrubs and old garden roses may be shaped after the bloom cycle is complete.
• For information on pruning climbing roses for maximum bloom, we recommend the tips found on Heirloom Roses website. Go to that page HERE.

Pruning Supplies

• First and most Important – purchase a high quality by-pass pruner. I highly recommend Felco as they are Swiss made, parts are replaceable and different models are available to accommodate hand size with ease of use. The most popular model is Felco Number 2. The model 6 is available for small hands if that is a priority. I have had a set of Felco pruners for over 20 years and they are still in great working order.
• I also recommend the purchase of a quality pair of lopping shears for large canes
• A pruning saw is sometimes needed for hard to locate areas of the plant. A drywall saw from your local hardware store works very well.
• Heavy gloves, preferably leather or goat skin will add much to your gardening pleasure. Available and recommended are leather gloves that protect the wrist and lower arm.
• A whetstone or a sharpening tool is mandatory to keep shears sharp.

When to Prune

• In our area, spring pruning is usually early to mid-April. A general rule of thumb is when the Forsythia is in bloom.
• When the buds begin to swell is a good indicator of pruning time.
• If mounding for winter protection is used, it is advisable to have it available for protection for late freezes.

BASIC PRUNING RULES…

Spring Pruning

• Before pruning, observe each plant so that the desired results are obtained.
• Attempt to prune so that the center of the plant is open allowing more sunlight to reach the plant, reducing disease.
• Attempt to direct the plant growth by cutting to an outside eye. Sometimes this is not always possible or desirable on some plants that tend to have an outward pattern of growth that may require pruning to an inside growing bud to control the plants shape.
• Remove all dead, diseased and damaged wood. Attempt to remove crossing canes that will damage future growth. Also remove all growth that is twiggy and unable to support a future bloom.
• Most Important – Cut to sound healthy wood, the center of the cane (pith) should be white or greenish in color. In some cases, this may require pruning to a few inches above ground level.
• Pruning cuts should be at a 45-degree angle, about ¼ inch above a strong leaf bud and running downward so it is on the high side of the cane. Always attempt to make clean cuts avoiding any ragged or rough edges. Cuts made at ground level or at the bud union should not have any stubs. Pare off ragged parts left on any sawed surfaces.

After Pruning Chores

• Thoroughly clean the beds after pruning by removing all clippings including foliage. A leaf blower works well for this task.
• It is desirable to give the beds and plants a through spray using an insecticide and fungicide for the plants to receive a healthy start to the growing season.
• Shortly after pruning the first application of fertilizer should be applied to stimulate growth.

General Advice

• Newly planted bushes and weak plants should not have long stems removed, instead I would recommend the bloom be removed at the stem end to allow for extra foliage to stimulate plant growth.
• When removing spent blooms during the summer blooming, always attempt to cut to a five-leaflet bud on the cane. This is also the desirable time to shape and control growth.

While we are waiting for spring to arrive, this is an excellent time to sharpen tools, purchase needed supplies and equipment. February is an excellent time to inventory chemicals and fertilizers so that orders can be made or complete a trip to the local garden store

To avoid frustrations, have a plan to avoid last year’s mistakes. This can be accomplished by evaluating last year’s plant performance both variety and individual beds. If their performance was unacceptable, beds may need to be amended, as well as a soil test may be necessary. Individual plants may need to be replaced or relocated.

Evaluate plant growth, insect and disease control to avoid frustration so more time can be spent enjoying the beauty of the rose. Consult an experienced rose grower or a Consulting Rosarian and organize your “plan of attack” to growing healthy roses.