Roses

[Mumrey]

Buds are starting to open on my roses, can i prune them now? I live in London.

Yes, you can still prune them. In Yorkshire I would be happy pruning till March so for you that’s probably February.

I never do unless they need to be shaped or pruning hasn’t been already done. But I’m a bit of a loose cannon with things. I’m in the South East and I’d definitely do it now, it’s quite warm, if windy

What sort of roses? Bush roses or climbers?

You want to get rid of any old and dead stems, and thin weedy ones, cut down the remaining healthy stems to about half their length. Cut to just above an outward facing bud. Feed and mulch, then feed again in March.

I know it feels awful cutting back healthy looking new growth but the harder you prune a rose the more it will grow. You will be amazed at how much more vigorous the plant becomes and how many more flowers you get.

Thank you ladies. @TonTonMacoute , yes that is the case and they are all bush roses. I will venture out into garden during a dry day!

If they're shrubs, you could try pegging them so encourage blooms along the length. I've bought some fabric ground hooks to do mine this year. They're very cheap so I figured it was worth a try.