It is essential to prune your roses to force them into winter dormancy. This is best done in July or early August. Roses flower best on actively growing, current seasons growth. Pruning will remove all old, woody growth and encourage the formation of buds and new growth. Firstly hedge back the plants to about half, as this will make the rest of the prune quicker and easier. Secondly, remove all dead, damaged and diseased branches and any branches that are crossing over other branches. Remove all of these as close to the base of the plant as feasible. Then cut back all remaining stems to about a third of the original height of the plant, making the final cut just above a bud. Spray the plant and soil surrounding the plant with oleum or lime sulphur. Apply a handful each of balanced fertilizer, bone meal and Epsom salts, spread a thick layer of compost around the plants and lightly dig this into the soil. Water very well.
TIP : McDonald Stuart Landscaping offers a service of pruning roses in client’s gardens in winter. A nominal hourly rate is charged plus the cost of materials (sprays, fertiliser, etc.)
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