How to Prune Sweetheart Rose Bushes

There is nothing terribly exotic about growing sweetheart roses. They can be grown just as easily as any rose variety available. The name "sweetheart rose" refers to the floribunda class of roses which produce a lot of blooms per stem; this is why florists love these varieties. Roses are woody plants so the rules for pruning them are the same as for any woody plant.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Gardening gloves

Instructions

1. Prune in the spring after the frost has left the ground and the buds begin swelling.

2. Prune away any dead wood canes. Prune them as close to the base as possible.

3. Prune away rose canes, both healthy and dead, that are bunching in the center of the bush.Keep the center of the bush open so sunlight and air can penetrate the entire bush. This helps to dry the dew out in the morning which keeps pests, mildew and fungus at bay.

4. Look for buds on canes that are facing away or somewhat away from the center of the rose bush. Prune the cane right above these buds.

5. Study the bush after the initial pruning and prune it into the shape you want. By time you are finished pruning, the bush should be pruned back by 1/3.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid of making a mistake when pruning. These bushes are pretty hearty.

References

• Backyard Gardener: Sweetheart Rose
• Rose Gardening Made Easy: Pruning Rose Bushes