Which Roses to Prune
HYBRID ROSES (including hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras)
These roses flower on new growth. To encourage maximum flower production, head them back in late winter (before the growing season). This directs more energy into flowering canes and helps control the plant’s growth habit. You generally want to preserve the largest, strongest canes, but can periodically remove older canes to regenerate new ones.
CLIMBING ROSES
Climbing roses bloom on older growth, so annual heading back is not typically needed. You may still want to head back aggressive or wayward shoots. Where space allows, train the main vines horizontally to encourage vertical side shoots, which will produce the most blooms.
Old, tangled climbers may need regenerating by being headed back close to their base and allowed to regrow primary branches. But they may take a couple of years or more to regain full blooming.
SHRUB ROSES
Many shrub roses, such as rugosas and natives, need little or no pruning to aid blooming but they can be periodically thinned out if density is causing dieback. These roses, as well as ‘Flower Carpet’ and other groundcover roses, can also be cut back to reduce crowding of their neighbors.
Many shrub roses are known for their ornamental hips, so minimize deadheading on those unless your priority is maximum flowering.
ENGLISH ROSES (also known as David Austin roses) are considered shrub roses but are typically pruned similarly to hybrid roses.
Dan Gilchrist
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