Roses are often perceived as high-maintenance, but they are not as tricky as many believe. With proper care, they thrive with minimal effort.
Deadheading roses for more blooms
Deadheading, or removing faded flower heads, encourages roses to produce further flushes of flowers through summer. This tricks the plant into continuing to bloom to set seed.
Instagram often promotes the 'five-leaf rule': when deadheading, trace the stem down to the nearest cluster of five leaves and cut just above them. This promotes strong stem growth for future flowers.
Key pruning principles
The priority is sturdy growth. If a stem looks good but has only three leaves, cutting above that is fine. Avoid floppy stems; instead, cut back to the next sturdy stem. This encourages new leaf and flower growth rather than a single long stem.
Use sharp, clean secateurs for cutting. At the end of summer, leave rosehips in place for birds, insects, and autumn interest.
