Anyone who grows miniature roses will know that pruning is a vital part of caring for these beautiful plants. On top of watering at least twice a day and fertilizing them weekly you need to prune them as well. Here are some tips which are going to help you to prune your miniature roses safely and properly.
Pruning, like most other skills, takes some time to learn and master. Don't expect to instantly become a master pruner no matter what hand pruner yoiu are using. Avoid being impatient with your pruning either - that's how you damage your plants and possibly kill them. Remember that plants take time to grow and by pruning you are helping the plants to grow healthily by pruning.
The pruning is cutting away unwanted, sick or dead leaves and branches to allow for new growth. Cut away too much and you risk the plant either taking a long time to grow back or dying because of the pruning.
When pruning miniature roses it's important that you wear thick gloves that cover your hands and ideally your forearms too. They may be miniature but they still have sharp thorns that will cut your hands and arms to ribbons given half a chance.
Long handed loppers are useful to have but you will definitely need a good quality set of hand pruners. These need to be sharp so that they cut easily.
When you start pruning your miniature roses you need to start from the bottom and work your way up. Carefully choose the parts you want to prune and always cut at a 45 degree angle about a quarter of an inche above the bud that is growing nearest to where you are cutting. Ensure the cut is a smooth and clean stroke and avoid making ragged edges when you cut. If you do, then clean it up with another precise cut.
The aim of the game is to make your rose healthier by allowing air and water to get to fresh branches. If you are cutting dead branches back, then cut back until the middle part of the branch has a white inside - that means it is alive.
The big question is when is the best time to prune your roses? Every variety of rose has it's own favorite time for pruning, so check the packaging to see when it states it should be pruned.
Typically there are two times to prune your roses. You will either prune in spring time before the growing season or in the fall after the flowering season has finished.
By pruning your roses you will keep them healthy, disease free and ensure they bloom beautifully. Prune your roses each year and you will find them to be healthy and continue to grow nicely for years to come.
