Winter is the perfect time to give your roses a little TLC, helping them to grow strong and healthy for a stunning summer display. If you’re in the South of England, the ideal time to prune is late February to early March, just as new growth begins. Read on for our simple, friendly guide to winter rose pruning.
Why Prune in Winter?
By removing dead or dying material, you encourage your rose to put its energy into healthy growth. Pruning also improves plant hygiene and appearance, reducing the risk of disease. While roses are resilient, a little care goes a long way in ensuring they thrive year after year.
The Basics of Rose Pruning
The general rule of thumb is simple:
- Hard pruning promotes strong, vigorous growth.
- Light pruning encourages a more moderate regrowth.
Key Steps for Winter Pruning
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, cutting just above an outward-facing bud to encourage growth in the right direction.
Thin out crowded stems to improve airflow and prevent fungal diseases.
Cut back weak or unproductive stems to allow the plant to focus its energy on healthy growth.
Remove short, dead lengths of stem (‘snags’) and thin, twiggy shoots unlikely to produce flowers.
Use clean, sharp secateurs and make cuts at a 45-degree angle away from the bud to prevent water from collecting and causing rot.
Ensure all cuts are slanted away from the bud to encourage water runoff and prevent rotting of new growth.
Remove suckers by ripping them off rather than cutting—cutting them can stimulate new growth, allowing the rootstock to take over the plant.
How to Prune Different Types of Roses
Climbing & Rambling Roses
Climbing roses flower repeatedly throughout summer and should have side shoots pruned back to two or three buds.
Rambling roses bloom once in early summer and benefit from having older stems cut back after flowering.
Secure stems to supports after pruning to encourage a well-structured framework.
Bush Roses
Prune from January to March.
Cut back weak stems by two-thirds and all other stems to about knee height.
Thin out overcrowded growth to allow light and air into the centre.
Examples: ‘Iceberg’ (Floribunda), ‘Elizabeth Harkness’ (Hybrid Tea).
Miniature Roses
Simply remove dead or damaged shoots and trim back lightly to maintain shape.
These compact plants require minimal pruning compared to larger varieties.
Shrub Roses
Generally requires only light pruning.
Cut back whippy shoots by around a foot.
Shorten side shoots on older stems to a few buds.
Final Tips for Healthy Roses
Mulch & Feed: After pruning, apply a layer of compost around the base to provide nutrients for the growing season.
Check for Pests & Diseases: Remove any remaining fallen leaves and debris to prevent fungal problems.
Stay Sharp: Always use clean, sharp secateurs to avoid damaging the plant.
With the right care, your roses will reward you with a spectacular display of blooms. Happy pruning!
