Winter Rose Care

Prune roses while they are dormant in July or August. Use clean sharp secateurs. Flower Carpet Roses and other small leaf shrub roses can simply be pruned with hedge shears. Cut on an angle, about 5mm above a bud facing in a direction you want the bush to grow. Angle the cut away from the bud to prevent water running into it. Wear gloves when pruning, preferably long ones to protect your arms. Clean away all leaf debris from under your roses. This is a refuge for pests and diseases. Spray after pruning with copper and spraying oil to minimise disease problems in summer.