You should prune roses primarily in late winter or early spring, around the time new growth begins. This timing can vary depending on your climate, ranging from as early as January to as late as May
. Where to prune on the rose plant:
- Make cuts just above an outward-facing bud or "eye" on the stem to encourage outward growth and good air circulation inside the plant
- For shrub roses, shaping the plant into a rounded form is recommended, removing old, weak, or crossing branches to maintain structure and health
- For climbing roses, prune dead or diseased branches, tie in new shoots to supports, and cut back flowered side shoots by about two-thirds to promote new growth
Additional tips:
- Use bypass shears for clean cuts and wear protective gloves and clothing to avoid thorn injuries
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood to keep the plant healthy
- Opening up the center of the rose bush (creating a vase-like shape) improves airflow and reduces disease risk
In summary, prune roses at the base of stems just above outward-facing buds during late winter or early spring, focusing on removing old, dead, or weak growth and shaping the plant for good air circulation and healthy growth
