Rose care: Britons urged to complete crucial task that will set stage for 'an abundance of blooms' this spring

David Austin Roses, the renowned gardening institution, recently discussed the importance of winter pruning on their social media channels.

They shared: "As January awakens, we find ourselves grazing out from the warmth of our homes, dreaming of a garden in full blooms."

"Now is the perfect time to nurture those dreams by giving your roses the best start to the year.

For British gardeners, January and February represent the optimal pruning period, though the timing may vary across other regions depending on the local climate.

The gardening task pruning plays a vital role in promoting robust growth and ensuring spectacular spring displays.

"Pruning during this season is an essential step, setting the stage for healthy growth and abundance of blooms," explains David Austin Roses.

"While your roses rest in their winter slumber, winter pruning encourages strong new shoots to emerge and helps to shape a beautiful, balanced shrub that will thrive in the months to come."

The Royal Horticultural Society offers specific guidance on pruning techniques for optimal rose care.

"Cut to an outward-facing bud to encourage an open-centred shape," advised the RHS website.

For roses that tend to spread, the RHS recommends pruning some stems to inward-facing buds to promote more upright growth.

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These precise cutting techniques will ultimately help maintain the plant's desired shape and structure, the institution's website explained.

Gardeners are reminded that using clean, sharp tools is crucial when pruning roses to prevent the spread of diseases.

While UK gardeners should focus on January and February pruning, David Austin Roses advised that gardeners across the EU and US should adjust their timing based on local conditions.

The key is to complete pruning during the transition between winter's end and early spring for optimal results.