Anyone with roses in their garden urged to do key job this month

As March settles in, people who have in their are reminded that now is the ideal time to give their roses the care they need for a vibrant growing season ahead. Pruning roses during late winter, typically February or March, will encourage stronger growth, better air circulation, and healthier blooms.

Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased wood, improving air circulation and reducing the risk of pests and diseases for your beloved roses. Late winter is the best time to prune, as the plants are dormant, and you can easily identify any dead or damaged wood. However, it’s important to tailor your pruning approach based on the variety of rose you’re working with.

If your rose has a thick, old stem going down to the ground, avoid cutting it back too severely, as it may not regenerate.

For shrub and bush roses, remove some of the oldest, thickest stems near the base to stimulate new growth and trim the remaining stems by a third or half to promote healthy regrowth and flowering.

For multi-stemmed climbers, remove one or two of the oldest stems close to the base, and shorten the remaining stems by about a third to half.

Hybrid tea and floribunda roses should also be pruned back to encourage strong new growth and flowering and trim the plant by a third or a half, depending on the plant’s health and size.

When pruning ramblers, always remove the oldest, non-productive stems at the base, letting the more vigorous stems grow.

For successful pruning, ensure cuts are no more than 5mm above a bud, with the cut sloping downward to prevent water from collecting.

Keep your secateurs and pruning saws sharp for clean, precise cuts, and remove any dead, diseased, or spindly stems to promote healthy growth.

After pruning, feed your roses with a suitable fertiliser and add mulch to retain moisture and provide essential nutrients.