Pruning ground cover roses: timing & instructions

The low-growing small shrub roses require a special cut. We will show you when and how to properly prune ground cover roses.

Even roses (pink) can make an attractive form of ground cover in the garden. Ground cover roses are usually relatively robust and easy to care for. In contrast to perennials that cover the ground, however, roses do not form runners, which is why the same varieties are often offered for sale as small shrub roses. For optimal ground cover, short-growing varieties with long shoots are usually planted in groups close together. The rose bush will finally thank you for pruning with rich flowering and sprawling growth. In this article we explain in more detail what you need to consider when pruning low-growing roses.

In the following we give you tips on when you should ideally prune ground cover roses and how best to proceed.

When should you prune ground cover roses?

You don't have to prune groundcover roses every year, but timing is critical to success. Like most other roses, ground cover roses should be pruned in early spring (March/April). when no more severe frosts are to be expected and, ideally, before new growth begins are located. To choose the right time, you can, for example, take a good look at the beginning of flowering

forsythia (Forsythia × intermediate) orientate. In milder regions, however, it is still possible to cut back in autumn. A pruning every three to four years should be completely sufficient in most cases. Only those who want to keep their groundcover roses low should use pruning shears every year.

Ground cover roses: how (much) to prune?

Basically, with every rose pruning, you start by removing frostbitten, dead and diseased shoots. With large specimens, it can sometimes be necessary to use large hedge trimmers to get the strong shoots under control. Fortunately, the cut is usually limited to a minimum and does not have to be carried out annually.

When the time comes, cut back all strong, long shoots by two thirds in spring. You can also cut off one or two old main shoots close to the ground to encourage new growth and prevent senescence. Also cut out wild shoots from the rootstock. However, some varieties of ground cover roses are also offered ungrafted and therefore have no grafting point. You only have to cut these roses back to about 20 centimeters every four or five years.

Pruning ground cover roses: instructions

Below we have created precise pruning instructions for your ground cover roses:

1. Prune in spring (March/April).
2. Use clean and sharp tools
3. Remove dead and diseased shoots
4. Cut back all shoots by about two thirds
5. Cut off two old main shoots close to the ground to encourage new growth
6. Cut out wild shoots
7. Cut again after four years at the latest

As Prune bed roses, climbing roses, etc. correctly, we explain here in detail. Various Varieties of ground cover roses we also present them to you in our special article.