How to Prune Old Wood Roses

Pruning produces better flowering from rose bushes.

Old roses, like any other roses, require regular pruning to keep the flowers growing properly and free of disease. However, old rose varieties do not need hard pruning like newer varieties. Too much pruning will reduce the flowers or kill the plant outright. Pruning at the right time of the season is also important to prevent lost nutrients and weakening the plant. Once you get the hang of pruning in the correct way, your flowers will thrive for years to come.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears

1. Locate diseased or broken wood on the rose bush. Cut the dead cane at the crown of the plant, making the cut at a 45-degree angle.

2. Cut any pieces of cane damaged by frost. These branches will be darker in color and squishy to the touch.

3. Remove old stems that are not producing new buds. Prune branches that are not producing after the other branches begin to bloom. Leave some of the red hips for color during the winter months.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune your roses in late January in warmer areas and February in colder areas.

• Remove no more than 1/3 of the bush during each pruning.

References

• University of California Davis; Pruning Roses; Rick Delmas
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Pruning Roses; Karen Russ
• University of Illinois Extension; Pruning--Dead Heading