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Information provided by: The Agriculture Program of the Texas A&M University System - Extension Horticulture Information Resource

From the Article "Follow Proper Pruning Techniques"

Probably no other aspect of growing roses has aroused as many questions as has the subject of when and how to prune roses. By following a few simple rules you can improve their appearance and vigor and control the quality and quantity of the flowers.

Pruning roses dates back to the nineteenth century when rose growers began to severely prune their plants to produce larger blooms for show. Unfortunately, plant longevity was of secondary importance to these exhibitors.

Some fundamental practices of pruning roses correctly in all gardens, regardless of type, are:

1. remove any canes that have been damaged by insects, diseases or storms;
2. remove one of two canes which may be rubbing one another; or
3. remove canes that are spindly or smaller in diameter than the size of a pencil.

After pruning, according to these general recommendations, cut hybrid teas, florabundas, grandifloras and polyanthas back to 12 inches for large flowers and 18 to 24 inches for many smaller sized flowers.

Climbing roses generally are pruned to renew plant vigor by removing the old canes since the most productive and finest blooms on climbers are produced on canes that arise from the bottom of the plant the previous year. These newer canes produce more desirable growth and flowers. Since the canes may become quite long, it is necessary to prune them back so they are maintained in the desirable area.

Old fashion or antique roses require much less pruning than modern roses. Left unpruned old fashion roses will naturally obtain a rounded shrub shape. Pruning of these roses should be confined to some shaping of the plant, removal of damaged branches, and judicious trimming back to encourage growth.

On all roses, consider the cutting of the flowers as a form of pruning.

•	When gathering roses, always leave at least two sets of leaves on the branch from which you cut the flower to insure plant vigor.
•	When removing faded, spent flowers, cut only as far as the first five-leaflet leaf.
•	When making cuts on the ends of branches, cut at 45 degree angles above an outside bud 1/2 inch above the bud with the lowest point on the side opposite the bud, but not below the bud itself.
•	When removing branches, never leave stubs since these die and can cause problems on the plant later. Always remove branches by cutting to a lateral branch or bud, or back to the base of the rose plant.

For more information on proper pruning techniques visit:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/pruning/pruning.html