Take note of Brad's tips on rose pruning this spring
'The aim is to create an open-centred, multi-stemmed plant with strong shoots originating from close to ground level so that you have a balanced framework of branches.'
'Many climbing roses flower well for years with no attention, but you can keep them healthy with just a little general tidying in February to March.'
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| Tidy up climbing roses in February and March
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Bush roses
Most bush roses flower in summer on new spring growth, with later flushes of flowers coming from thinner side shoots. If the plants are left un-pruned, they will just get taller and the growth will become weak, with lots of thin branches crowding together. This can provide a perfect hiding place for pests and diseases. Regular pruning will keep them healthy and encourage good-sized flowers.
The aim is to create an open-centred, multi-stemmed plant with strong shoots originating from close to ground level so that you have a balanced framework of branches. Start by removing the four Ds again (dead, dying, damaged or diseased stems) and any shoots that are crossing or rubbing.
Hybrid tea
With hybrid tea (large-flowered) roses, follow this by pruning the remaining shoots back to 15-20cm (6-8in), with the thinner, weaker stems being pruned the hardest. Always try to prune to an outward-facing bud, to encourage the new growths to grow away from the centre of the plant.
Floribunda
With floribunda (cluster-flowered) types, the same basic principles apply, but the final part of the pruning process is less severe. The remaining shoots are cut back to 20-30cm (8-10in), again with the thinner, weaker stems being pruned the hardest.
Climbing roses
Many climbing roses flower well for years with no attention, but you can keep them healthy with just a little general tidying in February to March. Leave the strong main shoots unpruned, unless they are exceeding their allotted space - in which case shorten them as appropriate. Otherwise, simply shorten the side shoots to approximately one third of their overall length, and tie the new growth to the support structure.
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| Prune standard roses in early spring
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If the base of the plant becomes bare, then renewal pruning can be used to encourage new shoots from low down. Simply cut back one or two of the oldest main shoots to within 15-20cm (6-8in) of ground level to encourage vigorous new shoots to develop and replace the older growths. Taking out one of the oldest stems every year will help keep the plant in peak condition.
Beware of pruning climbing sports of bush roses too severely - they usually have the word 'climbing' before the cultivar name, such as 'Climbing Peace', because they may revert to the bush form if cut back too hard.
Rose pruning: seasonal guide
Cluster-flowered (floribunda type) – prune in early spring
Large-flowered (hybrid tea type) – prune in early spring
Low-growing roses – prune in early spring
(ground-cover types – no regular pruning)
Miniature roses – prune in early spring (no regular pruning)
Shrub, species and old garden roses – prune after flowering, or in spring for those cultivars with decorative hips
Standard roses – prune in early spring
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