In the temperate regions, (this will apply for the Highveld) roses will be pruned from the middle of July onwards. In very cold areas you will only prune from mid-August to avoid frost damage.

How to prune?

  • Remove all growth to a height of 60-80cm — about knee height.

  • Remove all stems that are dead, diseased, old or misshapen.

  • Only three to four main stems should remain.

  • Remaining stems are then cut back another 10cm, making sure that they are all the same height.

    • Post pruning care

    Gardening guide

    This article appears courtesy of GardenShop.

  • Spread mulch or compost around the rose bushes

  • Apply fertiliser like Ludwig’s Vigarosa, Eds Magic Roses or Wonder Rose

  • Dig the compost and fertiliser in

  • Water well and thereafter once a week until the end of August when you will water twice weekly

  • Spray the pruned roses with Ludwigs Insect Spray or Lime Sulphur, to kill dormant fungus and pests