Roses are one of the most beloved features in British gardens, offering spectacular blooms and classic charm. However, to keep them healthy and blooming beautifully year after year, pruning is essential. If you’re unsure when or how to prune your roses in the UK climate, here’s how…
The 16th June is Rose Awareness Week, so in tribute to that – and because we’ve got a lovely range of roses to buy at the Garden Centre – we thought we’d lend a few tips on the best way to prune your plants to that they return year after year looking even more beautiful.
Pruning roses encourages new growth, improves air circulation, and helps prevent diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. It also shapes the plant, keeping it tidy and ensuring a better display of flowers. In the UK, the ideal time to prune most types of roses is late winter to early spring, typically February to March, just as the buds begin to swell but before new leaves appear. The timing may vary slightly depending on your region – southern areas like Bucks may start earlier, while northern areas might need to wait until March.
NOTE: There’s an exception! Rambling roses are usually pruned in late summer after flowering, typically in August, since they bloom on old wood (growth from the previous year).
Tools you’ll need
- Sharp secateurs – Clean and sterilise them before use.
- Gardening gloves – Preferably thorn-proof.
- Loppers or a pruning saw – For thicker stems.
General pruning tips
- Always cut at a 45-degree angle, about 5mm above a bud that’s facing the direction you want new growth to go.
- Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood first.
- Aim for an open shape in the centre to improve air circulation.
- Clear away any crossing or inward-growing branches.
- Dispose of cuttings, especially any diseased material – do not compost them.
How to Prune Different Types of Roses
1. Hybrid Teas (Large-flowered Roses)
- Prune in late winter/early spring.
- Cut back stems to 30–40cm from the base, above an outward-facing bud.
- Leave about 3–5 strong, healthy stems.
2. Floribundas (Cluster-flowered Roses)
- Also prune in late winter/early spring.
- Cut back to 45–60cm, shaping evenly.
- Remove any old woody stems.
3. Shrub Roses
- Lightly prune to maintain shape and remove older wood.
- Prune back by about one-third, depending on vigour.
4. Climbing Roses
- Prune in late winter, unless they’re repeat bloomers (then do a light summer tidy too).
- Tie in new shoots horizontally to encourage flowering along the stem.
- Cut side shoots back to 2–3 buds from the main framework.
5. Rambling Roses
- Prune after flowering in late summer.
- Remove one or two of the oldest stems at ground level each year.
- Tie in new vigorous shoots to replace old wood.
Some aftercare tips…
- Apply a rose fertiliser in early spring after pruning.
- Mulch with well-rotted manure or compost around the base (not touching the stems).
- Water well in dry spells to support new growth.
Are you following us on social yet? Don’t forget to sign up to our monthly newsletter and follow our socials for more news and offers.
Follow us on Instagram @hildreths.garden.centre and on Facebook @Hildreths Garden Centre