Rose Care - Winter pruning
Why should you prune your roses?
Pruning roses helps to maintain the shape and health of a rose bush. Dead or unhealthy wood is removed, beautifying the bush, as well as eliminated pest infected limbs. Pruning also encourages new, healthy growth and inspires larger, better-lasting blooms.
When is the best time for pruning?
In the Western Cape, a hard winter prune is best in late July to early August. Pruning too soon will mean any tender new growth may take strain in the cold, windy weather. Pruning too late will delay the spring blooms.
General pruning and shape maintenance can take place year-round. Remove any disease infected limbs and dead-head regularly.
How to prune?
Make sure your shears are clean and sharp. Start by removing any and all soft new growth. From there, work your way down to the hard, old stems. Take your time as to not injure yourself on any thorns.
In general, for any bush rose, the aim is to cut the rose down to half of its full-summer size. New growth will grow from these older branches, so be brave and cut away. In the end, you should end up with a couple of bare branches sticking out of the ground, like in the pictures below.
Climbing roses are the same. Prune back until only the main stems remain. It can be difficult as the branches lock together when intertwining, so prune what you can reach.
Standard roses, prune back to main stems, as with bush roses.
Not much else needs to be done. Wait for spring before feeding again, to avoid forcing the rose to bud early. Make sure all main climbing branches on climbing roses are fanned out for the best effect. Remember, with roses, the more you prune, the greater the growth and reward.
Bush rose- hard pruned:
Climbing rose- Pruned to main branches
Need help?
For all of your rose-care needs, feel free to give Julip Landscaping a call on 079 660 2063.
Pop down to Ludwigs roses at chart farm for the best rose selection.