HOW TO PRUNE
Before you get started, just be sure to prune to the height that you want your rose bush to be in order to keep a uniform height and size.
In order for your roses to thrive, it is easiest to do in the following order:
- Remove the leaves – You want to be able to see the stems so that you can also see and remove any pest or disease areas.
- Remove the dead areas – Cut the dead wood areas back to the base.
- Remove crossing branches/Open up the center – The crossing branches rub and can cause damage. You want to achieve an open vase like shape.
- Remove thin areas – if it is thinner than a pencil, you’ll want to remove it.
- Prune remaining areas – Cut about 1/2″ above where the leaf meets the stem. Be sure to cut at a 45 degree angle that slopes away from the bud so that water can run off.
After you have done the above steps, just clean up beneath and then feed them!