How to Trim Shrub Roses

Shrub roses are a common type of rose plant in many yards that can be trimmed back to alter the size of the shrub. Trimming shrub roses can be a little more difficult than other types of hedges and bushes due to their large thorns, but wearing tough work gloves can prevent most of the danger. It is best to trim shrub roses in late winter or early spring when buds are clearly visible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning shears
• Work gloves
• Leaf bag

1. Put on a pair of work gloves.

2. Use pruning shears to cut back all stems or "canes" to around the same length. Cutting them back to about 12 inches will keep the shrubs from getting too large and allow for clean-looking growth.

3. Cut off any small stem offshoots from thicker healthy canes.

4. Use the pruning shears to cut off any dead plant material as low to the ground or close to healthy canes as possible.

5. Grasp the end of a cane and search for the bud closest to the top of the cane. Canes should be producing small red buds by late winter to spring.

6. Cut the cane off just above the bud.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each cane of the shrub rose.

8. Place all the cuttings in a leaf bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Shrub roses can be cut back a lot or a little depending on how much space you have and how large you want the shrub to be.
• Cutting off buds that are facing inward toward other branches can prevent unproductive growth and tangling.

References

• Trimming Shrub Roses
• Video on Pruning Shrub Roses