Roses are beautiful and classic. They are timeless additions to any garden, sure to bring pleasure and enjoyment. Some rose bushes are repeat bloomers. But to get those blooms, they need a little help from you. Proper care of your roses can extend the life of the rosebush, and encourage repeat blooming. It all begins with something called deadheading. It’s not complicated, or time-consuming. And when you know how to deadhead roses, you are sure to be rewarded with healthier, more frequent blooms.
When a rose bloom is spent, the plant is exerting energy on creating rose hips, or fruits. This action requires a great deal of energy. By clipping off the dead rose, you are redirecting that energy into creating new blossoms. You will also eliminate hiding spots for garden pests, helping to keep your rose bush healthy. Finally, when you deadhead you are opening up the area inside the rose bush and improving air circulation through the rose bush.
Contents
The Right Pruners
Make sure that your pruners are sharp and clean. If necessary, have them sharpened so that your cuts can be clean and precise.
Where to Cut
Don’t cut just under the spent blossom, cut further down the vine. Go to a new growth of branch that is facing to the outside of the bush and cut about an inch above this growth. This will encourage the rose bush to grow towards the outside, creating the much needed air circulation.
How to Cut
Cut the branch at a downward facing angle to prevent water from gathering and sitting on the cut. If you have concerns about cane-boring insects, you can seal the cut with a dab of white glue.
When to Cut
Begin deadheading as soon as your rose bush begins blooming. Continue the process throughout the growing season. As fall approaches, stop deadheading. Allow the spent roses to stay on the vine and your rose bush will begin to prepare itself for winter dormancy.
Encouraging Larger Blooms
The bloom stem will be proportionate in size to the stem it is growing from. If you cut further down the branch where it is thicker, you will get larger blooms. However, it will also take longer for those larger blooms to develop.
Preserve those Leaves
The leaves are vital to plant health and growth. Take care when you are cutting that you do not strip the bush of too many leaves.
Now that you know how to properly deadhead your repeat blooming rose bushes, you are ready to begin deadheading your rose bushes. You will be rewarded with more blooms, larger blooms, and a healthier, stronger plant.
<>
