How to Prune Rosa Rugosa Bushes

Rugosa rose varieties produce fruits called rosehips.

Rosa rugosa bushes produce large blooms for most of the summer months. In late summer and fall they are adorned with red, edible rosehip fruit. These shrub roses require less maintenance than other rose varieties and only minimal pruning to maintain their attractive shape. The size of the rugosa bushes depends on the variety and how severely you trim them, but they generally maintain a height between 2 and 6 feet tall. Prune the roses in late winter or early spring before they begin to produce new growth.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• White glue

Instructions

1. Cut out any dead or winter damaged canes with pruning shears. Trim dead canes back to the ground or trunk. Cut out damaged canes to the nearest healthy wood.

2. Inspect the interior of the rose bush for any branches that are crossed or rubbing against each other. Prune these back to where they intersect with main branch.

3. Trim back any suckers, which are branches growing up from the base of the rose. Cut these back to soil level.

4. Shape the remaining branches, removing no more than 1/3 of the rugosa bush. Cut each branch back to within 1/4 inch of an outward-facing bud.

5. Cover the cut ends of any branches with a diameter greater than 1 inch with a drop of white glue. The glue seals the cut, which prevents insect-borer damage.

Tips & Warnings

• There's no need to deadhead rugosa. Once the flowers fade, the fruit forms to replace them.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Fertilizing, Pruning and Winterizing Roses
• University of Kentucky Extension: Roses