Prune Your Climbing and Rose Bushes

Pruning is an important element of gardening, ensuring the proper removal of dead and overgrown buds, heads, branches, flowers and more from a plant or bush. The task of pruning is simple but must be done accurately and effectively according to particular plants and bushes in order to reap the benefits of this gardening task.

Rose pruning is especially essential in helping to promote the healthy growth of rose flowers year on year.  Not only helping to improve the appearance of your rose bushes, but creating a healthy environment for them to grow. For keen gardeners and those who want to see their rose bushes grow healthily and successfully, these tips will help you understand the importance of pruning and how to do it right.

The benefits of pruning your roses 

There are several key benefits to pruning your roses, these include:

• Encourages new and healthy growth of rose buds and flowers 

• Removal of dead and potentially hazardous overgrown branches. This is a particular benefit of pruning roses due to the thorns that grow on their branches. These can quickly become overgrown and unmanageable, so it is important to maintain them with regular pruning. 

• Prevent the risk of diseases and pests from spreading. Overgrown plants are often more susceptible to the risks posed by diseases and pests found in the common British garden. By removing dead buds, flowers and branches you will actively support the health of your plant and the surrounding landscape by preventing the spread of such diseases. 

• Supporting the local wildlife. Giving your garden’s visitors a healthy and well-maintained garden to look for food and shelter will support the birds, insects and other animals that need a safe space to live and thrive. Pruning encourages an environment that is healthy for the survival of a wide range of species. The perfect way to encourage birds, butterflies and bees into your garden.

When to prune your rose bushes 

Due to the vast range of rose bushes available it is important to note that pruning times and techniques may differ from plant to plant. However, a general rule of thumb, unless advised otherwise, is to prune your rose bushes just before growth resumes after winter. For British gardeners this is typically between mid-Feb and March. However, take note of any changes to the weather conditions and signs of early growth if the winter has been particularly mild. 

Deadheading which is the removal of old and dying flowers from your rose bushes should be carried out throughout the summer time. While your roses are in bloom some flowers will die quicker than others. Removing the dead flowers as they die will ensure other buds can bloom and the flowers currently at the peak of growth can thrive in healthy conditions.

Ways to prune your plant bushes 

There are several ways to prune your rose bushes with a variety of techniques to be aware of. From thinning to deadheading, and topping. The variety of pruning techniques are not always required for every type of rose bush you have in your garden, so it is important to be aware of what they are and when to practise them.

Thinning 

Making thinning cuts consists of cutting a branch from the point of its growth. This is a particularly beneficial technique of pruning for shrubs that are growing rapidly and need to be managed. Thinning will allow for greater light penetration and is ideal for younger shrubs to ensure the best structure.

Deadheading 

Deadheading, as previously mentioned, is a process of removing dead flowers and buds from the rose bush. This method should be carried out throughout the period at which the shrub is in bloom. Removing deadheads allows for the healthy growth of other flowers and maintains a ‘perfect’ appearance.

Topping

Topping, as the name suggests, is cutting away branches that have grown at the top of the shrub or tree. This type of pruning is beneficial for young plants in which you want to direct their growth in a particular direction.

Raising

Raising, again, hence the name, is used to lift the plant. By removing the low hanging branches and enhancing the safety of the plant. For rose bushes, low hanging branches with their spiky thorns can often pose a risk to pets and young children, removing them is a good idea to not only improve the appearance of the plant but to reduce the risk they pose to passersby.

Reduction

Reduction is simply a method of pruning that helps to thin the plant, tree or shrub. With a similar intention of raising, reduction is complete for safety reasons. Overgrown plants can cause various hazards, so reduction is an essential element of pruning.

Pruning your climbing roses 

Your climbing roses are slightly unique in the way that they grow and when they will need to be pruned. With young climbers requiring the support of a trellis or wires to grow, special care should be taken when pruning to support this healthy growth. 

You should be consistently removing dead, damaged and diseased branches as well as regularly deadheading to encourage healthy growth of other flowers. Meanwhile, thinning and cutting out any overgrown or congested areas of the plant will ensure the rose can continue to climb in the right direction. 

Any new shoots should be tied back to the wire or trellis, protecting them in the early stages of growth. Be sure to keep these as horizontal as possible, giving them the best chance of growth and height. 

We suggest pruning the majority of your climbing roses throughout the winter, whilst deadheading should be done in bloom. However, tying back new or young shoots should be done in preparation for any bad weather or strong winds.