OMG Garden Center Gardening Tips: Why Prune Your Roses

Pruning roses can be intimidating to many new and even experienced gardeners, though it is actually very good for the plants. Becoming an accomplished rose pruner takes time, practice and more practice, however keep in my mind that it is very hard to kill a rose plant with bad pruning.

So why prune rose plants in the first place? Here are just a few reasons why pruning your rose plants is beneficial for the plants.

  • Encourages new growth and bloom
  • Remove dead wood from the plant
  • Improves air circulation to the plant
  • Shapes the plant to your liking

Here are some rose pruning basics to get you started:

1. Use clean sharp tools
2. Begin pruning from the base of the plant
3. Prune to open the center of the plant to light and air
4. Make cuts at a 45 degree angle, 1/4 inch above the bud
5. Make clean cuts, not jagged
6. Remove all broken and dead wood
7. Remove an twiggy branches smaller than a pencil
8. If cane borers are an issue in your area, seal cuts with white glue
9. Remove any sucker growth below the graft
10. Remove any remaining foliage
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