Pruning Roses in Spring: Seven Rules Revisited

Spring has arrived, and it’s time to dust off your pruners to prepare roses for their growing season. In his latest video, Jason from Fraser Valley Rose Farm delves into the classic “rules” of rose pruning, breaking them down to separate tradition from practicality. With seven key rules guiding the process, Jason helps gardeners prune with confidence and clarity.

The Seven Rules of Rose Pruning

Pruning roses often comes with inherited guidelines, some of which are invaluable, while others need a modern rethink. Jason explores each of the seven rules, offering nuanced insights for every gardener.

1. Prune by Timing Your Climate’s Natural Signs
   Many gardeners use visual cues in the landscape to determine when to prune. A common marker in Jason’s region is the forsythia bloom, signaling that roses are waking up and ready for pruning. However, this timing varies by region and climate. In milder areas, such as California or Australia, pruning might be best during the coolest part of the year. For roses that bloom only once, like some old garden roses, Jason recommends waiting until after their bloom cycle before pruning.
2. Reduce Roses to Three to Five Strong Canes and 18 Inches in Height
   This rule offers a numerical guideline for shaping roses. While reducing the number of canes and lowering the height can be useful for hybrid teas or floribundas, Jason notes this approach may not suit all varieties, particularly shrub roses or climbers. He emphasizes adapting the rule to the specific needs and natural growth habits of your plants.
3. Focus on Removing Dead, Diseased, Damaged, Crossing, and Weak Canes
   Jason underscores the importance of clearing out problem areas to improve the health and vigor of your roses. Dead wood often turns black, diseased stems may show discoloration or fungal marks, and damaged or crossing canes can invite disease or inhibit airflow. Weak, spindly growth adds congestion and should also be pruned out for a cleaner, healthier plant.
4. Prune to an Outward-Facing Bud
   This rule suggests that choosing buds facing outward encourages growth away from the plant’s center, promoting better airflow. Jason explains that while this makes sense in theory, roses often grow new shoots from multiple points along a stem, making this rule less critical than it seems. Instead, focus on the overall health and shape of the plant rather than obsessing over each bud.
5. Use Clean, Sharp Tools
   Starting with sanitized, sharp tools is essential for preventing the spread of disease between roses. Jason recommends disinfecting blades with household cleaners like Lysol wipes and sharpening them to ensure smooth, clean cuts that don’t damage stems.
6. Forget the Angled Cuts
   Cutting stems at a 45-degree angle has long been advised to prevent water pooling and reduce rot. Jason debunks this as unnecessary, noting that flat cuts heal just as well. He also points out that the added complexity of angled cuts can slow down new gardeners, making pruning unnecessarily intimidating.
7. Prune to an Open-Centered Structure
   For roses prone to disease or mildew, opening the center of the plant improves airflow and reduces risks. However, Jason advises tailoring this to the variety—while hybrid teas may benefit from this approach, denser shrub roses or climbers may naturally maintain a different structure without issue. He encourages pruning for a pleasing size and shape that fits the plant and the gardener’s preferences.

Simplify the Process: Size, Shape, and Health

For those feeling overwhelmed by too many rules, Jason simplifies rose pruning into three essential goals:

• Size: Bring down overall height so that the roses will bloom where you can enjoy them! Experience with the plant will tell you haw fast it grows in a year – and how low you’ll need to prune it!
• Shape: Create a balanced structure that enhances airflow and suits the rose’s natural growth.
• Health: Remove anything dead, diseased, or damaged. Thin out older wood and congested areas to encourage vigorous new growth.

This approach allows gardeners to focus on outcomes rather than rigid instructions, building confidence in their pruning efforts.

Wrapping Up: Prune with Purpose

By understanding and adapting these seven rules, gardeners can approach rose pruning with a clear purpose and an appreciation for their plants’ individual needs. Whether you’re dealing with hybrid teas, shrub roses, or climbers, Jason’s advice offers practical, approachable guidance for ensuring a thriving garden.

For a detailed demonstration and additional tips, watch Jason’s full video on Fraser Valley Rose Farm’s YouTube channel. With these insights, your roses will be primed for a season of healthy growth and stunning blooms.