Pruning Roses

Rose fundi Ludwig Taschner has many years’ experience with growing roses, so we know that when it comes to pruning time, his method is going to work.

Here are Ludwig’s steps for pruning roses:

First, make a measuring stick. Make a mark on a straight stick (or dowel) 10cm from the base. Measure and mark a 50cm point from the first mark and another 70cm from the first mark. Cut the stick off 20cm above the 70cm mark.

Light pruning

This is for roses that didn’t perform very well or for those spaced far apart. Push the stick into the ground next to the rose, until the soil is level with the 10cm mark. Cut off everything in line with the top of the stick. Remove dead wood, old stems and all the leaves.

Moderate pruning

This is for roses that may need more pruning but not as extreme as severe pruning. Once you have done a light pruning, inspect the remaining growth to see which main stems (this season’s growth) or branches (two years or older growth) should remain. Cut the remaining stems down to the 70cm mark. Remove or shorten remaining side stems and forks.

Severe pruning

This is for roses planted very close together, or that grew tall in the last season and need to be more compact. After a moderate pruning, cut the remaining stems off at the 50cm mark. Remove or shorten the remaining side stems and forks. Renew the soil with fertiliser and water regularly.