In keeping with my low-maintenance, sustainable philosophy, I only grow hardy shrub roses. The less hardy tea roses are beautiful but I just can't be bothered. Hardy shrub roses will make it through the winter in zone 3 with no extra care.
However, some years they will experience quite a bit of tip kill. And if they don't, you'll want to thin them out occasionally to keep them healthy.
People are always afraid to prune roses, but it's not hard. Here are a couple tips:
Always cut just above an outward facing bud. That bud is going to grow into a new branch, so you want it to grow towards the outside of the plant, not cross over the inside.
Remove any crossing branches.
Remove any weak, thin branches to direct more energy into the stronger ones.
Voila!
thank you! i have a HUGE rose bush (i am talking over 6' here - jealous lol) in my front and i was scared to prune it back too much. my mom did help (another ADVID gardener) and i thought she took off too much but nope, she followed your rules! hopefully it looks gorgeous this summer!
Posted by: ashley | March 14, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Yes, Im jealous but glad I could help! Actually, its a little early for pruning roses still, but dont worry! I find they usually get some tip kill in spring when we get our inevitable snow storm in April... or May... or... lets not go there!
Anyway, you may find the tips die back more before the buds start growing which just means youll have to do a little more pruning in late spring.
Cheers,
Janice
Posted by: Janice Miller-Young | March 17, 2010 at 04:17 PM