Pruning Roses

 

 

 Now is the time to ensure that your rose bushes continue to do well for the rest of the summer. Some maintenance on your rose will keep it healthy and blooming throughout the rest of the season. When the roses start to fade, it’s time to remove the spent blooms, before they begin to develop rose hips.  This is known as deadheading.

This is a young rose hip. Leaving it on the plant to mature and seed is generally a waste of energy that could be used to develop more leaves, a stronger root system and more abundant flowers.

 

Cut the bloom back to the first outward facing leaf. This is typically a 3-leaf or 5-leaf set. The idea is to remove the spent blossoms while leaving as much foliage in place as possible.  


 Soon after pruning, you should see a new branch emerging just above the cut you made.

 

 

 

 This is also a good time to feed your plants. Choose a well-balanced fertilizer such as Fertilome Rose Food or Mile High Rose Food. Both will supply the nutrients your roses need to stay healthy and blooming. 

 

 

Check the leaves on your rose bushes. This is the time of year when chlorosis can show up. If your rose bush leaves are pale green, yellow or yellow-white, it means they are anemic. They need iron.  Remedy the situation by applying liquid iron in the form of a spray, or granulated iron in pellet form.