I often get asked when the best time is to prune roses, and here in Perth, the cooler months are ideal. As the weather starts to settle and growth slows down, your roses are ready for a good prune to set them up for a strong, healthy season ahead.
Pruning might feel a bit daunting at first, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your roses. It encourages fresh new growth, improves air circulation, and helps shape the plant so it can produce better blooms.
When I prune, I like to remove any dead or damaged wood first, then open up the centre of the plant to let light and air flow through. From there, it’s about cutting back the remaining canes to a manageable height, always aiming for a nice, outward-facing bud. This helps the plant grow outward rather than becoming crowded in the middle.
Don’t be afraid to be firm with your pruning—roses are tougher than most people think. A good, confident prune will reward you with stronger growth and more impressive flowers when the season picks up again.
After pruning, it’s also a great time to clean up around the base of your roses and give them a good feed. This helps kickstart new growth and keeps your plants in top condition.
If you’re in Perth or similar climates, now is the perfect time to get out into the garden and give your roses the attention they need. A little effort now will make all the difference when it comes to the next flush of blooms.
John Kelly