Roses

Rose Plant FAQs

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about rose plants here:

How to prune roses

To keep rose plants healthy and vigorous they will need pruning. How you prune your rose will depend on the variety.

All rose varieties: remove dead, damaged and diseased growth. Also remove any stems rubbing against each other. Cut to a strong, outward-facing bud.

Floribunda roses: Cut strongest shoots to approx 25-30cm above ground. Only lightly prune the rest.

Hybrid tea roses: Shorten all strong shoots to four or six buds from base. Cut back weaker shoots to four buds.

Rambling roses: Vigorous ramblers flower once a year, usually around June. Cut back in summer after flowering, remove some of the old growth completely to help rejuvenate the rose.

Climbing roses: Flowers throughout summer and into autumn. Train in the main framework of stems. Cut back side shoots close to this framework. Prune to keep branches untangled and increase flowers.

Shrub roses: Only light pruning required as these flower on old wood. However removal of some old wood will help rejuvenate the plant. For roses that flower once, prune after flowering in summer. For repeat flowering shrub roses, prune in late winter by cutting back previous year’s growth by up to one third.

Ground cover roses: Only light pruning required unless you want to limit size. Cut back any upward-growing shoots. Rejuvenate congested plants by pruning to about 10cm from base.

For more advice and tips, read our comprehensive rose pruning guide.

How to deadhead roses

Deadhead roses by simply pinching off dead flowers or cutting just below the flower base. By removing faded flowers the plant's energy will be channelled into the remaining buds and blooms. Repeat as often as required throughout the flowering season.

Rose colour meanings

Choose your rose colour carefully, especially when buying as a gift. Each rose colour conveys a different meaning, here are some of the most popular:

Red: love, romance, and beauty.

Pink: admiration, gratitude and joy.

Orange: passion, desire, and excitement.

Yellow: friendship, care, and remembrance.

White: purity, innocence, and new beginnings.