How to Prune Old Fashioned Roses

Old fashioned roses are commonly referred to as heirloom roses or antique roses. These roses are generally cold hardy but benefit from a layer of mulch for winter protection. Old fashioned climbing and bush roses need regular pruning for an abundance of blooms and control of pests and diseases. You must know whether your rose blooms one time during the growing season or whether the blooms perpetuate all summer. Old fashioned roses that bloom once are pruned right after blooming. Roses that bloom all through the growing season are pruned in the winter or early spring.

Things You'll Need

Bypass pruning shears
Keyhole saw

Isopropyl alcohol
Gardening gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Remove dead canes and stems from the old fashioned rosebush. Remove any debris from around the rootstock. Wear heavy gloves to protect against the thorns.
- 2
  Cut out any weak or nonproductive canes. Make angled cuts to keep moisture from pooling on the open cut. Remove any diseased canes at least three inches below the infection.
- 3
  Remove any canes that intersect or are growing too close together. Check for branches and stems that may grow together through the season and prune these back, as well.
- 4
  Select five to seven of the newest and healthiest canes from those remaining and prune out the remaining canes. This prevents overcrowding of the old fashioned rose as it grows. It also rejuvenates the rosebush with new growth while removing the old.
- 5
  Remove the suckers growing from the top of the rootstock. Cut any suckers or unwanted stems back to the central cane. Clean the debris from the area and dispose of properly.

How to Care for Baby Roses

How to Prune Roses in Season

Growing Roses