Reasons for pruning Encourage new growth and bloom, Remove dead wood, Improve air circulation and Shape the plant. Season for pruning At the first signs of spring.

Basic Rose Pruning Use clean, sharp tools. Look at the overall plant, but begin pruning from the base of the plant. Prune to open the center of the plant to light and air circulation. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above a bud that is facing toward the outside of the plant. Make sure it is a clean cut (not ragged). Remove all broken, dead, dying or diseased wood (Any branches that look dry, shriveled or black. Cut until the inside of the cane is white). Remove any weak or twiggy branches thinner than a pencil. If cane borers are a problem in your area, seal the cut with a white glue, such as Elmers.

Except for removing dead wood and shaping the plant, we generally recommend leaving Knock Outs unpruned for the first 2 years and then use the "one-third" method. Each year remove one-third of the oldest canes (in addition to any dead, diseased or dying canes). Florida and Southern California roses may not need pruning, though heavy spring thinning isrecommended. Northern zone roses should not be pruned until April, after the Forsythia starts to bloom.