Rose pruning is essential as roses require regular minor pruning throughout the year and hard pruning during the cooler months of winter. During the majority of the year you will need to carry out minor pruning in the form of removing dead wood, dead heading (removing spent flowers) and monitoring pests and diseases that roses are susceptible to.
Roses should be hard pruned in late winter, late July to early August after the last frost. Hard pruning roses this time of year will encourage healthy vigorous growth for the new season.
There are 3 main steps to winter rose pruning:
Step 1 – Shorten the stems by 1/2 to 1/3. When you make this cut it is important to cut on a 45 degree angle just above an outward facing bud.
Step 2 – Entirely remove dead or diseased wood right back to the base.
Step 3 – Try to create a vase shape by pruning and removing inward facing and stray stems leaving 3-6 stems. This will provide a good framework and open up the plant allowing air to flow through plus help to minimise fungal disease.
Handy Rose Pruning Tips:
- Always use sharp secateurs and saws. This will eliminate tearing which may attract pests and disease.
- For dead wood and stems larger than 10mm use a saw. This will make it a cleaner and easier cut.
- To eliminate the transfer of disease from plant to plant, sterilise your tools in methylated spirits between pruning each plant.
- Apply fertilisers in late winter / early spring and again in early summer.
- It is important not to prune your roses too much during summer and autumn as this is the period roses are storing food for the next growing season.
Let Programmed Property Services Assist You
Keeping roses healthy and thriving takes time, knowledge, and regular care. If you’d like expert help, our Open Space team can support you with professional rose pruning. Our local open space staff at Programmed ensure your gardens stay vibrant and well-maintained all year round, so your outdoor spaces look their best while staying healthy for the seasons ahead. Contact us today to see how we can help maintain your grounds and open spaces.
Rose Pruning FAQs
-
How should a pruned rose bush look?
A properly pruned rose bush should have a neat, open, vase-like shape with 3–6 healthy stems. This allows good airflow, reduces fungal disease risk, and encourages strong growth. Dead or diseased wood is removed, stems are cut back by about one-third to one-half, and cuts are made above outward-facing buds to promote balanced, outward growth.
-
What is the difference between deadheading and pruning?
Deadheading is the removal of spent flowers to encourage new blooms and keep the plant tidy. Pruning, on the other hand, is a more structured process that shapes the plant, removes dead or diseased wood, and stimulates healthy growth. While deadheading can be done regularly throughout the growing season, pruning is usually carried out more heavily during winter or specific times of the year.
-
What is the lifespan of a rose bush?
With proper care, many rose bushes can live 30 years or more. Some old garden varieties and heritage roses have been known to survive for decades, even over a century. Their longevity depends on factors such as climate, soil health, consistent pruning, pest management, and overall maintenance. Regular feeding and attention to seasonal pruning help extend the lifespan of a rose bush significantly.
-
Which roses should not be pruned?
Some climbing and rambling roses should not be pruned heavily, especially in their first few years, as they need time to establish strong canes. Over-pruning can reduce flowering or damage their natural growth habit. Additionally, old-fashioned or once-blooming varieties often flower on old wood, so heavy pruning may remove the buds. For these types, light pruning and shaping after flowering is usually recommended.
