Easy-breezy Winter Rose Pruning

Roses are like happiness blossoming in the garden.

A single shrub rose in a pretty pot or a grouping together in a garden bed – both are evenly striking and eye-catching.

But if you want to grow the best-looking, champion roses in the neighbourhood, you need to prune them now!

Pruning encourages strong new growth and reduces the number of flowering stems, resulting in an increase in eventual flower size.

Left unpruned, roses eventually carry out their own pruning by not nourishing the thinner inside growth, which slowly dries out completely and eventually dies.

Pruning is done during the dormant, leafless season when plants are inactive (prior to ‘budding’ and ‘shooting’) to encourage new growth and flowering in spring.

In South Africa, the best time for pruning roses is generally from mid-July to mid-August, but this can vary slightly based on your region's climate.

According to Ludwig’s roses (rose expert) for most parts of the country, the best time to prune is during the latter part of July.

In warmer regions specifically pruning can generally be carried out by the end of June.

In very cold regions pruning is delayed – it might vary from the first week in August to the last week in August in the really cold parts of the country.

Winter pruning is easier than you think! You need not fear hurting your shrub roses by cutting them back, they love it! To a rose it’s like having a haircut.

Learn How to Prune:

1. Gather your tools:

Sharp secateurs, loppers (for larger branches), and possibly a pruning saw for older roses, and tree seal if needed. Shop our tools for pruning online here

2. Remove dead, diseased, and damaged wood:

Cut away any wood that is brown, brittle, or shows signs of disease. Also remove suckers growing from the foot of the main stem.

3. Thin out crowded branches:

Remove any branches that are crossing, rubbing against each other, or growing inward.

Generally, you will leave no more than four main branches per bush.

4. Shorten remaining canes:

Cut back the remaining healthy canes by about one-third, to an outward-facing bud / eye. The cut should be 5–10mm above an outward-facing node.

According to rose expert, Ludwig’s roses, any type of cut is acceptable, however avoid a slanted cut too close to an eye.

Generally, the standard height to cut back roses planted in groups / rows quite close together, is about 50 to 70cm tall.

For single planted roses (in a pot for instance) cutting back to 1 to 1,2m is generally appropriate.

5. Remove leaves:

Remove and discard any leaves that are left on the remaining branches.

6. Shape the bush:

Aim for an open, cup-like shape with the number of branches inside the ‘cup’ greatly reduced, that allows for good air circulation.

Important Considerations:

• Sharp tools

Use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts and prevent disease.

• Observe your roses

Pay attention to how your roses have grown and adjust your pruning accordingly.

• Don't be afraid to experiment

Alternate between severe and light pruning from season to season.

• Protect against frost

In colder regions, be mindful of late frosts and delay pruning if necessary.

• Transplanting

If you want to move a rose bush, do this right after pruning.

• After care

Watering and feeding should commence fairly soon (within a few weeks) after pruning has been completed.

If you don’t have a rose garden yet, we hope reading this information brings you closer to adding a bit of romance and nostalgia to your own outdoor space.

 After all, show us a garden/er that doesn’t need some romantic charm?!