Everything You Need to Know About Pruning Roses

Roses are classically beautiful, but growing them takes some knowledge. If you’re new to pruning roses or are wondering how you can make your plants extra luxurious this year, look no further. We have the know-how to help you produce some of the most stunning roses in Southern California.

When Should I Prune My Roses?

Timing is extremely important when it comes to pruning roses. When your roses bloom in the summer months, it is crucial to deadhead them continuously to promote new growth. As the cool season begins, your plants may start to produce rosehips. The rosehips that form on your roses over the winter months help signal the plant into dormancy.

January is the best time to prune in Southern California, right before spring begins. Your roses will be dormant still but ready to start growing very soon! Once January has arrived, it’s time to prune.

What Should I Use to Prune My Rose Bushes?

Choosing the right tools for pruning is a crucial step that you shouldn’t overlook. Bypass shears are the best option for pruning roses because they have blades that overlap, which results in a nice, clean cut with no crushing or injuring of the branch. In comparison, anvil shears have blades that meet, which can make cuts messy and cause crushed stems that may cause lasting adverse effects. Use some thick gardening gloves with high cuffs and wear thick, long sleeves or a durable jacket when pruning to protect your arms and hands.

How Should I Prune My Rose Bushes?

With the right timing and the proper equipment in hand, you can start pruning. Follow these tips to make sure your bushes thrive.

Remove any remaining leaves from the bush
Cut off any weak growth or dead branches, including spindly, thin twigs and brown branches. Cut down until you can see green inside the branches.
Open up the center of the bush so that the inside has space and upright branches surround it all around the outside of the bush.
Prune the rest of the branches just above the bud's eyes in the direction of desired growth. The bud eyes are where the leaf meets the stem. Trim just above the bud eye with your shears pointed outwards at 45° instead of pointing towards the center of the bush.
Leave the fresh cuts to heal in the fresh air! Do not seal them with anything, as they will heal quicker if left alone.
Don’t forget to fertilize! Rose bushes are voracious eaters, and it is after pruning that you’ll want to give them a fresh dose! Always use an organic fertilizer, which releases its nutrients slowly and is better for long term soil health.
Rake up and remove any old mulch and fallen leaves below the plant and replace this with a fresh 1-2 inch layer. We like shredded redwood or cedar mulch best for this, but there are other choices as well.

With some practice, these tips will come naturally to you. Take note of what you tried and journal the results so that you can improve your pruning skills every year and make your roses flourish. Our videos and other resources below will take you a bit deeper into the techniques of rose pruning, including climbing roses. Be sure to check them out.

Roger’s Gardens has the largest selection and the newest varieties of premium Early Season Roses. Choose from hundreds of varieties, including all your favorites, new for 2022 and hard-to-find varieties. The selections also include climbers, tree roses, miniatures and more. Our roses are all grown in our custom blended organic soil, hand-pruned by rose experts, and their roots have been treated with beneficial mycorrhizae. All our roses are the highest #1 grade, from the best breeders in the world. So if you need some guidance on how to start growing your own luxurious and lush rose bushes, you can trust us. This is not our first rose-eo!

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