Many gardeners look forward to January with some trepidation because its rose pruning time. A certain mystic revolves around the rose and many feel that roses are so demanding and delicate that only the most experienced gardener can properly prune a rose. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Roses are rugged, hardy, forgiving and so easy to grow. All that anyone needs to prune properly is some very basic information.

Why do we need to prune?

Annual pruning is necessary to control the size of the plant, remove old and diseased canes and to re-invigorate the bush for a spectacular floral display next spring.

The goal is to have an open vase-shaped plant with healthy canes that are evenly spaced which allows for ample air circulation.

Step 1.Cut back about 50% to allow for easy evaluation of the plant and easier access later. Any dead or diseased canes should be removed at the point of origination.

Step 2.Cut out branches that cross through the center of the plant.

Step 3.Stand back and look at the overall remaining plant. Reduce the number of canes (usually 3 to 7). Select only the youngest and healthiest. Canes must be removed flush with the bud union or crown.

Step 4.Reduce the height of the remaining canes to a height of 12 to 18 inches. Floribundas can be kept shorter, Hybrid tea and Grandifloras a little taller. Hedge, shrub, or floribunda roses used as a hedge may be pruned up to 24 inches tall.

Step 5.Remove all remaining foliage.

Step 6.Always make a pruning cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud (Fig 1.) and at a 45-degree angle sloping downward from the bud (Fig 2.).

Step 7.Seal off all canes 3/8 inch or larger with a pruning sealer.

Step 8.Remove all debris from under the plant and spray with a flower (Rose) fungicide.

Step 9.Sprinkle 2 tbs of E.B. Stone Sul-Po-Mag (Sulfate of Potash Magnesia) and 1 handful of E.B. Stone Alfalfa meal (Alfalfa Meal is a gentle organic fertilizer) around the base of the plant. Then place a 1-inch layer of natural organic soil mix blended with the special growing requirements of roses out to the drip-line of each plant, (we recommend E.B. Stone Rose Grow Mix).

-- Chris Greenwood
Chief Rosarian for Armstrong Garden Centers