Pruning is an essential job for all gardeners at this time of year if they want to get the most out of their roses once winter is over – and there are three reasons you should do it in January
Pruning is crucial for gardeners who want their roses to flourish once winter ends.
A rose bush can survive without an annual pruning during its dormant period, but it will become a weak, poorly-shaped plant with smaller blooms. It will appear neglected and be susceptible to pests and diseases. Pruning eliminates dead and diseased canes and stimulates new buds to push at the base, allowing new vigorous canes to form.
The basics of rose pruning are not hard to grasp, and unlike trees, roses are rarely permanently damaged during the learning process. On her TikTok page @lucie.ponsford.ga, Lucie has revealed the top three reasons why it’s vital to prune roses in one specific month – January.
The first reason Lucie gave is due to dormancy, reports the Express. She explained that the plant is “asleep” during this time, so pruning will be “less stressful” for both roses and yourself. This is because the plant won’t leak any sap and the healing time will be quicker.
The second point the gardening expert made is that you won’t be overwhelmed with leaves, making it easier to see the branches. Lucie stated: “Roses are deciduous so you can clearly see the structure, making it easier to shape.”
The third and final point she made for pruning roses in January is due to “flower power”. Lucie clarified: “Roses bloom on new growth. By pruning back, you bring those gorgeous flowers closer to the framework. Pruning in January means setting your roses up for a stunning bloom in spring”.
When it comes to pruning roses, Lucie from Mimosa Garden Design shared on her website that the goal is to sculpt a structure which will “thicken up year after year”, ensuring flowers are at the perfect height without drooping stems. Lucie also had advice for those with a heavy hand when pruning; if your roses have previously ended up blooming along the ground, she advised: “Don’t prune that rose as hard this time.”
She suggests, instead: “Prune it by a third to avoid too much regrowth. With secondary thickening, you are creating a shorter regrowth this year.”
