Rose care: Crucial task to complete now for 'plentiful blooms' in the coming months
Pruning roses redirects energy into new growth
GETTY
Although January is typically a quieter month in the garden, there are many tasks to complete in preparation for the upcoming growing season.
Because bush roses are dormant, it is an ideal time to inspect the flowers and give them a trim.
According to British rosarian Peter Beales, established climbers and ramblers flowering on the current season's wood should all be pruned by the end of the month.
“January is also a good time to plan your summer garden, so ensure you have the most up-to-date catalogues to help inspire you,” noted the horticulturalist.
Established climbers and ramblers should be pruned by the end of the month
GETTYOne of the primary purposes of pruning roses during the winter is to stimulate abundant blooming, according to the world-famous rose breeder David Austin.
By trimming away spent and diseased canes, gardeners allow the plant to redirect its energy towards producing new and healthy shoots.
“It’s time to prepare your roses for the year ahead and give them a prune," shared David.
“Ideally complete this task while the roses are still dormant, usually in January or February.
“If your roses have leafed and you still have not pruned it is still better to prune, but this may push back the flowering period until later in the season.
“If you haven’t pruned by March, don’t worry, your roses will still benefit from a thorough prune.”
When pruning during the non-flowering season, gardeners should aim to give plants an attractive shape by removing spent parts of the plant.
According to David, this "encourages fresh new growth and plentiful blooms for the following season".
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Pruning can be used to influence the size and shape of roses
GETTYThe expert added: “When a rose reaches its third year, after three flowering seasons, pruning can be used to influence its size and shape.”
Once pruned, the rose bush should look smaller and bare. This should not alarm gardeners, as growth will strengthen and re-establish quickly in the spring.
"Foliage should never be composted and should be removed from the garden," added David.
"This ensures spores that can initiate disease are removed from your garden."
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