How to Prune Grandiflora Roses
Grandiflora roses were first introduced in 1954, and are a group of roses that resulted from crosses between hybrid teas and floribundas. Grandiflora roses tend to be taller bushes, often growing up to 6 feet, and are usually characterized by clusters of flowers, and bloom almost continuously during the late spring to early summer, depending on where you live. Proper pruning of these roses can result in a healthier bush with more abundant blooms. Here’s how. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prune most aggressively in winter, when the plant is dormant--all the leaves have dropped off, and there are no visible signs of growth. At this time you should removed all dead or diseased wood.
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Remove any canes that are crossing and on top of each other, and prune out twigs and branches out the center of the bush to ensure light and air can circulate.
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Cut back the canes to 18- to 24-inches in height. If the bush is very dense with canes, thin them out, removing some of the oldest canes, using pruning shears. If the canes are thick, use the lopping shears or pruning saw.
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Prune gently during blooming and growing season. Shape the plant by cutting back depending on what you want the bush to do. Look at the leaflet clusters. Rose leaves usually cluster in groups of 5 and 7. Each type of cluster results in a somewhat different growth patterns.
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Cut for new blooms. If you want to stimulate blooms, cut the rose branch at a 5-leaflet cluster. Prune about ¼-inch above where the leaf stem meets the branch--the new bud is tucked in there. The resulting branch will be shorter and bloom sooner.
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Cut for new branches. If you want to stimulate new branch growth (which will result in new blooms at the end, but it will take longer) cut the rose branch at the 7-leaflet cluster. Prune about a ¼-inch above where the leaf stem meets the branch--the new bud is set in there.
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Keep an eye out for die back (branches turn yellow or black, and then die) or diseased wood. This can happen throughout the season and should be promptly removed.
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Clean up all debris and dispose of properly to avoid pests and disease gathering on the trimmings.
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Tips & Warnings
When pruning, always prune at an angle to prevent standing water on the “open wound” of the branch. This helps it seal more quickly.
Some gardeners like to seal the open cuts on shrubs and bushes to minimize infection. For an environmentally friendly and child-safe option, consider using water-based Elmer’s glue.
Don't spray water on the bush immediately after pruning; you may increase the risk of infection on the “cut” because it literally is open. Give the "cut" a few hours to seal over.
Rose thorn scratches can become infected. Clean scratches with soap and water, and then apply a disinfectant or antibiotic ointment.
