How and When to Prune Roses

Pruning rose bushes is intimidating to many gardeners, but actually very good for the plants. It is not very tough to grow a good happy rose, all they require is sun, water, fertilizer, a little pest control and pruning. Pruning is key to rose health by removing weak or dead canes, providing good air circulation and creating an attractive shape. Follow these easy steps to keep your lovely hybrid tea roses in peak form.

You will require some tools for the pruning purpose, they are;

1. By-pass Pruners

2. Long-handled Loppers

3. Thick Gloves

Once you have got the tools, now follow the following steps for perfect pruning process:

1. First make sure that all your tools are clean and sharp.

2. Then clear away all the grasses and leaves i.e. anything that might harbor insects and

diseases.

3. Prune to open the center of the plant to light and air circulation

4. The cut must clean and the bud must be facing out.

5. Now remove broken, dead, dying or diseased wood and remove any branches that

look dry, shriveled or black. Cut until the inside of the cane is white.

6. Remove any branch which is weak and thinner than pencil.

But before pruning you should know when to prune the rose plant:

The main factor which influences the pruning is the class of the rose plant and the zone in which it is growing. Most of the pruning is done in spring.

Watch for when the leaf buds begin to swell on your rose plants, meaning the bumps on the canes get larger and reddish in color, when you see this in your plant then you can start your pruning process.

If it blooms early, on last year's canes, don't prune until after flowering.

Once the pruning it done, you will have to maintain your plant doing the following basic things;

Pampering your rose especially when you first plant your roses, they will need more attention at the beginning.

Water them daily, but do not over water for the first three weeks and make sure the soil has good drainage. Water the soil and not the leaves and flowers to ensure good rose growth.

Use compost to provide nutrients and minerals for your plant try to make your own compost and add to your soil. Use things like peat moss and manure as well to ensure your roses will flourish.

Use things like barrels, antique containers, and a trellis to make your rose garden even more attractive.