How and When to Prune Roses
Owen Petrakis · Sep 26, 2026 · 6 min read
Quick answer
Pruning keeps roses healthy and flowering. Timing and technique depend on the type of rose.
Pruning can seem daunting, but roses are forgiving plants. Even rough pruning tends to give better results than none.
The main goals are removing dead and weak wood, opening the centre for airflow, and encouraging new flowering shoots.
1 When to prune
Most bush roses are pruned in late winter or early spring, as buds start to swell. Rambling roses are usually pruned after flowering in summer. In autumn, shorten long stems by a third to reduce wind rock.
2 The basics
- ✓Use sharp, clean secateurs
- ✓Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems first
- ✓Cut out crossing or weak stems
- ✓Cut just above an outward-facing bud, sloping away from it
3 By rose type
Hybrid teas and floribundas can be pruned fairly hard. Shrub roses need lighter pruning. Climbers are trained along supports, with side shoots shortened to a few buds.
4 Aftercare
Clear away fallen leaves to reduce disease, feed with a rose fertiliser in spring, and mulch around the base.
This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.