How to Prune Roses: Timing, Cuts and Deadheading

Prune hybrid teas, floribundas and grandifloras in early spring just as the buds begin to swell, and prune once-blooming roses and climbers right after they flower. That is Clemson’s split, and it follows how each type blooms. UMD says all roses require some pruning each year. For hybrid teas, UMD says cutting to 15 to 18 inches in the spring is usually sufficient. This guide sits under our rose care guide.

When to prune each type

Hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras

Clemson says modern reblooming roses are pruned in early spring just as the buds begin to swell, which could be mid- to late February near the coast and mid-April in the mountains of South Carolina.

Once-blooming roses and climbers

Clemson says old-fashioned roses and climbers that bloom only once a year should be pruned immediately after flowering.

Shrub roses

Iowa State says to prune just as buds begin to break in spring, early to mid-April in Iowa.

Winter-protected hybrid teas

Iowa State says to prune out the dead wood when winter protection is removed in early spring, late March to mid-April in Iowa.

The dates are local. Use the bud stage, not the calendar: Clemson ties the timing to buds swelling, and Iowa State ties it to buds beginning to break.

How much to remove

For hybrid teas, UMD says cutting to 15 to 18 inches in the spring is usually sufficient. Clemson adds a rule for vigor: prune weak-growing varieties lightly and vigorous varieties more severely. Climbers and ramblers are different. UMD says not to cut them back as much as you prune hybrid teas.

Which cuts to make

Iowa State gives a way to find what to cut: live wood is green and has plump, healthy buds, and dead wood is brown and has no live buds. Iowa State says to prune out the dead wood.

Then shape the cut. Illinois says to cut at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud, and Iowa State says to make slanting cuts about 1/4 inch above healthy, outward-facing buds.

Wait for the right stage. Buds swelling for rebloomers (Clemson); right after flowering for once-bloomers (Clemson).
Find the live wood. Green with plump buds (Iowa State). Brown wood with no live buds is dead.
Cut above an outward-facing bud. About 1/4 inch above, slanting at roughly 45 degrees (Illinois, Iowa State).
Seal thick cuts. Cuts on canes thicker than a pencil get nail polish or wood glue to keep cane borers out (Clemson).

Tools

Iowa State says hand shears and long-handled lopping shears are needed to prune roses correctly, and that dull tools tend to crush the canes.

Deadheading through summer

Illinois says the standard recommendation is to cut the flower stem back to an outward-facing bud above a five-leaflet or seven-leaflet leaf. Iowa State says to stop deadheading by late summer (late August, early September) to help plants prepare for the upcoming winter and allow ornamental rose hips to form. Clemson says hybrid teas and other roses that can rebloom should not be allowed to form hips, so that the plant puts its energy into flowering.

Fall pruning

UMD says that except for climbers, pruning in the fall is needed to cut the tall canes to about thirty inches, which prevents the shrub from being loosened by the winter winds.

Mistakes to avoid

CutsDull toolsDull tools tend to crush the canes (Iowa State).PestsOpen cuts on thick canesUnsealed cuts on canes thicker than a pencil let cane borers in (Clemson).VigorSame cut for every plantPrune weak growers lightly and vigorous ones more severely (Clemson).

For types, tools and a year of rose care, see our rose care guide.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to prune roses?

For hybrid teas, floribundas and grandifloras, Clemson says early spring just as the buds begin to swell. For old-fashioned roses and climbers that bloom only once a year, Clemson says immediately after flowering.

How far down do I cut a hybrid tea?

UMD says cutting to 15 to 18 inches in the spring is usually sufficient.

Where exactly do I make the cut?

Illinois says to cut at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. Iowa State says slanting cuts about 1/4 inch above healthy, outward-facing buds.

When should I stop deadheading?

Iowa State says to stop deadheading by late summer (late August, early September) to help plants prepare for winter and allow ornamental rose hips to form.

How do I protect cut canes from borers?

Clemson says all pruning cuts on canes thicker than a pencil should be sealed with nail polish or wood glue to prevent cane borers from entering.

Sources

Guide to Pruning Roses, University of Maryland Extension
Pruning Roses, Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home and Garden Information Center
Pruning Roses, University of Illinois Extension
How to Prune Roses, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
How should I prune hybrid tea roses in spring?, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach