Roses naturally renew themselves by sending up fresh stems from the base. When left unpruned, they begin to ‘self-prune’ by cutting off nourishment to the older central growth, which eventually dies back on its own. New stems will grow through this dead wood or emerge around the outer edges, causing the plant to spread out.

By pruning a plant when it is dormant, we give nature a helping hand by removing old, damaged, or diseased material, encouraging stronger growth, abundant flowering, and better air circulation and light penetration through reduced overcrowding. It also stimulates roots to spread and penetrate deeper, making the bushes more resilient.

If, like me, you worry about damaging your roses, the good news is that pruning cannot kill them. Rose farm and nursery Ludwig’s Roses likens pruning to giving roses a haircut: you need not fear hurting the roses by cutting them back; they love it.

When to prune

Gardeners in warmer regions, such as the Lowveld and coastal KwaZulu-Natal, should already have completed their pruning in June or July. Meanwhile, those in Gauteng are now within their last window of opportunity to do so.

“In Gauteng, pruning is best done from mid-July to the first week of August. By the second week, it’s already too warm,” explains Yvette Bezuidenhout, manager of the Ludwig’s Roses Midrand branch.

In the very cold inland areas, pruning can be done throughout August, up until the end of the month. Because it stimulates new growth, it’s important to wait until the risk of late frost has passed, otherwise tender new shoots can be easily damaged or killed.

Pruning the right way

Using a 1m measuring stick is helpful for neat and accurate pruning. Mark about 10cm at the bottom of the stick – this part will be staked into the soil next to the plant. From there, measure the desired height for each bush according to your preference.

If you’re unsure which height to prune to, many rose growers use a simple rule of thumb: prune higher for more blooms; prune lower for larger flower heads. Keep in mind, however, that each rose type requires specific pruning for the best results.

Having said that, Ludwig’s Roses emphasises that even within type, no two rose bushes are identical, and pruning adjustments will be required. For example, a bush much weaker and shorter than the others should be cut back more severely.

There are two types of pruning:

• Light pruning. This is essentially a tidy-up and involves cutting the bush level; removing twigs, dead wood, and criss-crossed stems; and reducing forked stems to a single tine. This method is typically used on Iceberg roses, shrub roses, novelty varieties, and ground covers.
• Hard pruning. This is more severe and encourages vigorous regrowth. It’s useful for rejuvenating older or underperforming bushes, or where plants are growing too close together. The bush is cut back to around 50cm, and all but the healthiest three or four stems are removed. Any side shoots on the remaining stems should also be cut away.

When cutting, make an angled cut just above an outward-facing bud – no more than 1cm above it. This allows for water run-off and proper healing, while keeping the centre of the plant open, increasing air circulation, and helping to prevent disease.

For both types of pruning, removing the leaves is recommended for disease and pest control.

Pruning missteps to avoid

Bezuidenhout says the most common mistake is cutting stems back to uneven lengths. “Always prune roses level, or you’ll disadvantage certain stems,” she says. This is due to atypical dominance, where the root system favours taller stems over lower ones.

She also cautions against pruning Icebergs that are still flowering in winter: “Wait until they have become dormant and, when pruning, keep all the new shoots that have hardened off.”

Finally, using the wrong tools or blunt blades will damage your roses by crushing the stems and leaving them vulnerable to disease and pests. Always use the right shears, loppers, or handsaws for the job, and make sure they’re in good condition.

For more information email Yvette Bezuidenhout at [email protected], or phone Ludwig’s Roses Midrand on 081 715 5110.