Love roses but you don’t have a clue on how to grow them? Join the club…this was me years ago.
Then I decided I needed to read up on how to properly care for roses if I wanted to have some beauties in my yard.
Currently I have 4 rose bushes in my garden with plans to plant more in the front yard. I have a wild bush that blooms pink, white roses, and red roses. Nothing makes me smile bigger then seeing my roses bloom all summer. In order to have them bloom you need some tips to get them ready for growth.
Spring is a great time to prune your roses before they start to grow. Here are my tips on how to prune your roses NOW in Spring…(March-April) for beautiful summer roses:
1) Start with the right equipment.
I use pruning shears, gloves (these are the best so you don’t get poked by a thorn) and a trash bin to throw the old parts of the rose away. Sharp sheers are important. Don’t use scissors!
2) Remove all the dead leaves from last season
By removing all the dead leaves, it helps you see the stems! It also helps removes any pests or diseases that has been hiding over winter on the plant.
3). Find the dead wood.
I know it all looks dead right now since it’s not blooming yet. If you’re not sure if it’s dead wood, cut into it.
Even here in Colorado I have some green starting in my roses.
Brown = dead. Cut this stem back to base.
Green = living. Getting ready to grow. Hold off on cutting this one….not yet!
The goal should be to open up the center of the plant and create a vase-like shape. (Upward-reaching branches) You can cut the green back by taking out any crossing branches that can rub against other parts of the plant. This can cause disease.
4) Remove weak growth. (Thin pieces of the plant steam)
I once read to remove anything thinner than a pencil. It’s a good rule of thumb for plants 2+ years old. The younger plants will still be thin. If you’re not sure, wait!
5). Time to PRUNE the remaining stems.
Prune by cutting 1/4” to 1/2” above an outward-facing bud eye (a small bump found where a leaf would meet the stem). See below.
New stems will grow in the direction of the bud. Cutting in a 45 degree angle encourages them to grow outward, not inward.
When pruning, be sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle sloping away from the bud. This allows water to run off and discourages disease! (See images)
6). Protect and Seal fresh cuts.
By using a pruning sealer, it helps to aid in the healing of the shrub. It also prevents disease! (This stuff is great for all shrubs and trees).
7) Feed your roses
Roses need special food! Nutrition will make your roses grow BIG and Beautiful! A long lasting fertilizer is key to make this happen. (I’ve tried MANY rose fertilizers. I find Miracle grow is effective and affordable!)
8. Add Lady bugs
This tip is a bonus and optional during the season. I order LIVE lady bugs a few times each summer to release in my garden. Lady bugs munch on pests that can ruin your roses. Plus my kids LOVE to watch them release and they check on them thought the day. (Release in the evening for best results)
