The mild winters common in Mediterranean climates mean that pruning of woody plants in general, and roses in particular, must be done differently than in cold and temperate climates. This includes when and how to prune rose bushes.

However, the reasons for pruning are the same regardless of the weather. These are primarily to induce better flowering in terms of quantity and quality, and to remove old growth in order to stimulate the growth of the juveniles. The possibility of enjoying the beauty of a rose bush for years to come depends largely on this last point.

When to prune roses

In temperate winter climates, it is important not to prune too early in the winter, because the combination of warm spells, along with the act of pruning, induces shoots to sprout and grow, only for late frosts to remove the juvenile tissue. This is not only a source of fungal and bacterial infections, it can also weaken the rose plant in general. As a general rule of thumb, prune about 6 weeks before the date when frost is unlikely to occur.

How to make plum roses

Unlike in cold climates, you don’t need to prune your roses vigorously. This just wastes valuable energy. Instead, it is often sufficient to remove between a third and a half of the height of the bush. Preferably, young branches should be cut, at the growth points (shoots) facing outwards.

New growth does not always develop from old wood, so if all the main branches of the bush are old, it may be necessary to prune higher up the plant, on the secondary branches. That is why new growth should be encouraged by clearing out old branches at the bud junction. (The woody swelling between the roots and branches)

3 points to remember

* While most varieties of cultivated roses bloom in the spring of the current year, some species of roses, especially those that originate in continental climates such as Central Asia, bloom with growth that began the previous spring. The consequence of pruning in winter, either at the beginning or at the end, is therefore the removal of all flower buds. This is invariably the reason behind the common complaint: “My roses never seem to bloom!” With such roses, pruning should be delayed until the plants have finished blooming.

* Climbing roses can return to their non-climbing origins if the branches are shortened too much. Pruning should be limited to dead, spent flowers or completely remove one or two old branches.

* Climbing roses and other species are more valuable for their shape, texture and shape than for their short flowering period. Branch shortening, which is suitable for cultivated varieties (hybrid teas, floribundas, etc.) spoils the natural shape of the bushes. In such cases, it is better to thin the old wood by cutting the branches completely.