Mario Bautista
Different varieties of roses need to be pruned at different times of the year, and doing so can help them flower for longer, as well as encourage new growth.
1. Pruning
Monique Gudgeon, garden director of Sculpture by the Lakes, said: “Prune out dead, diseased and damaged growth always.
“Rambler roses need to have last year’s flowering stems removed and new growth and vigorous growth ties in to replace the old shoots.”
According to the pro, this keeps the plant vigorous and promotes “better flowering”.
Monique added: “Shrub roses, which cover the multitude of different types including hybrid teas, floribundas and patio roses, are pruned to keep the general goblet shape.”
When it comes to deadheading, the expert said this depends on whether you like to keep rose hips for wildlife, which is often recommended.
The gardening pro continued: “Some roses don’t produce hips so just deadhead to a healthy outward-facing bud and it will encourage repeat flowering and keep it neat and tidy.
“Large roses will need some height reduction if you are in a windy or exposed spot to cut down on root rock over the winter.
“Main pruning takes place in late winter so take out dead, diseased and damaged growth and decide what height you want it to flower.
“Remove crossing branches and weak growth, or very old unproductive growth and aim to get an open vaguely goblet shape.
“Cut to outward-facing buds and not too close to the bud itself but not too far, otherwise you will get dieback of the stem.”
2. Feeding
Another job that helps them bloom for longer is feeding them once in springtime.
“Large roses will need some height reduction if you are in a windy or exposed spot to cut down on root rock over the winter.
“Main pruning takes place in late winter so take out dead, diseased and damaged growth and decide what height you want it to flower.
“Remove crossing branches and weak growth, or very old unproductive growth and aim to get an open vaguely goblet shape.
“Cut to outward-facing buds and not too close to the bud itself but not too far, otherwise you will get dieback of the stem.”
