How to Deadhead Roses

Deadheading roses removes unsightly spent blooms and prevents the rose bush from putting forth seeds, which encourages the plant to produce new flowers. If done correctly, deadheading roses improves the overall look of the plant and makes it healthier as well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Locate a spent bloom on your rose bush. Flowers that have begun to wilt or are dropping petals need to be removed.

2. Locate the first set of 5 leaves beneath the bloom. There are typically several groups of 3 leaves directly under the bloom, so you may have to look further down the branch to locate the first group of 5 leaves. If the plant is weak or unhealthy, you should prune more conservatively.

3. Cut the branch at a 45 degree angle slightly above the first group of 5 leaves you located beneath the bloom. Use a sharp set of bypass hand pruners to make the cut. Try using anvil pruners if your roses have particularly tough or thick canes that are difficult to cut with bypass pruners.

4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 until you have removed all of the old blooms from your rose bush. This will ensure plenty of new growth and beautiful buds.

5. Seal the cut end of the rose branch with white glue if cane-boring wasps are common in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorns.
• Do not prune roses when there is a danger of frost. Rose plants should be allowed to harden for the winter.