Tips for Pruning Roses

If you have rose bushes in your landscape, now is the time for pruning! Heavy pruning needs to be done mid-February to mid-March while the plants are still dormant.

Pruning is not a difficult task to do and there are many benefits to an annual prune. It helps shape the bush, remove dead canes, open the center for air flow, and encourage new growth. 

Make sure you have the proper equipment to get started. We recommend pruning with a handheld pruner and a long lopper. It’s also a smart idea to have gloves handy to protect you from thorns.

When figuring out where to begin, it’s best to start with the dead, diseased, and broken limbs. If you notice a cane is broken or damaged, make these cuts close to the base of the plant. You’ll also want to thin the plant to be 3-5 strong canes. Canes that are growing horizontal or crossing other canes can be removed. The goal here is to open the center of the plant up!

If there are already new buds on the cane, cut ¼ inch above outward facing buds. Make your cuts pointing away from the center of the plant. This simple step helps improve air circulation and reduce disease. When you finish, be sure to discard your cuttings. 

That’s really all there is to pruning roses! There aren’t many complicated tasks when tackling this chore. When your roses bloom, you’ll be glad you did it!

Looking for a great resource to rely on to help make your roses thrive? MSU Extension Publication 2835, “Roses in Mississippi,” is a great tool that tells you everything you need to succeed!