How to Shape a Rose Bush
Roses come in a tremendous number of varieties, unusual and ordinary, a wide variety of colors and in many different shapes. Roses grow as ground cover, climbing vines, shrubs and trees. Ground cover and climbing roses are pruned to produce healthy canes and flowers, as opposed to a particular shape. Shrubs roses, and many tree varieties, are pruned for both health and to maintain the desired shape. Roses are pruned in the spring after a period of winter dormancy. Spring pruning should remove dead cane and old wood. Spring pruning should also shape the rose plant so that air circulates easily around the branches to lessen the possibility of mildew. Rose shrubs, or bushes, are ideally pruned into a classic "urn" shape. The open center promotes circulation and the full round exterior displays flowers to the best advantage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sharp pruning shears
- Sharp sterile gardening knife
- Bright string
- Rubbing alcohol
- Tape measure
Instructions
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1
Visualize the rose bush in the shape of an urn, or a large cone. The large end of the rose bush will be the top, tapering to the ground. It may help to mark canes to be pruned with brightly colored string at the point they will be cut.
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2
Remove a small sliver of wood 1/4-inch above an outside bud using a sharp knife.
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3
Dip the shears in rubbing alcohol. Working at the started sliver, cut the cane (rose stem) at a slant.
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4
Continue cutting, moving around the rose bush. Cut the canes short enough so that there is no sign of discoloration. Severe cuts may be necessary to achieve the desired shape.
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5
Measure the pruned rose bush. The final pruned shape should be between 12 and 18 inches tall.
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