How to Prune Shrub Roses

Shrub roses combine the pleasure of roses blooming about your property with low maintenance. Selective pruning of shrub roses can result in a healthier bush. Depending on whether they bloom once a year or are repeat bloomers, good pruning practices can also enhance blooming.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lopping shears or pruning saw
• Gardener’s gloves
• Pruning shears

1. Prune repeat bloomers during late winter or early spring, when the bush rose is dormant--all the leaves have dropped off and there are no real signs of growth. At this time, you should prepare to remove all dead or diseased wood, and shape the bush with light trimming of the twigs. You will likely need pruning shears, lopping shears and possibly a pruning saw.

2. Pinch off spent blooms during the growing season to encourage new bloom growth.

3. Shape repeat bloomers gently during the growing season, pruning primarily to maintain shape, size and remove any diseased or dead wood that appears.

4. Prune once-a-year bloomers after they bloom, gently pruning the bush to maintain shape and size. Remove any diseased or dead wood.

5. Keep an eye out for die back (branches that turn yellow or black, then die) or diseased wood. This can happen throughout the season and should be promptly removed.

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.
• 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.

Resources

• Jackson & Perkins Roses