When to Prune Shrub Roses
- Prune shrub roses during fall to protect them from the harsh conditions of winter, particularly high winds that can damage the plant. Use sharp pruners or loppers to trim back all stems on the shrub rose by around 6 inches. Cut away any remaining green foliage on the shrub rose. This is particularly important because the foliage leaves will "catch" high winds that might break or damage the shrub.
- Prune back shrub roses in early spring to encourage the plant to grow vigorously. Rose blooms will flower on the new shoots that appear in the summer and spring growing season and pruning encourages new shoots to grow. Prune back stems by 4- to 5-inches to remove any winter or early spring growth. Also remove any diseased or dead wood with the pruners. Burn this waste in a garden incinerator and always wipe over the pruners with rubbing alcohol to disinfect them after cutting away diseased wood.
- Shrub roses can grow rapidly in the summer so prune them back as necessary to maintain the overall shape of the shrub. However, avoid cutting off any rose flowers in bloom. Remove any long, wiry stems because these can eventually give the shrub rose a tangled and messy look if they are left to grow unchecked.
- Always use sharp pruners or loppers to give a clean cut and to avoid crushing and damaging the wood of the stem. If necessary, sharpen the lopper or pruner blades on a whetstone before pruning. Make the pruning cut on the stem at a location just above a rose bud. The easiest way to prune shrub roses is to start at the bottom of the shrub and work your way to the top. Shrub roses contain many thorns so wear protective gloves to avoid scratches.
