When, how, how much and why?

Thin out in autumn or spring

There are those who do not cut ground cover roses until spring, but there are also those who cut them as early as autumn. When you cut your ground cover roses is up to you! Basically, however, is a Cut in spring more recommendable, as shoots frozen by frost can be removed at the same time.

When pruning in spring or autumn, cut away the following:

• old shoots
• withered shoots
• sick instincts
• weak shoots
• dead shoots
• inward growing shoots
• crossing shoots
• shoots growing downwards
• Wild shoots

Prune heavily every 4 to 5 years

In contrast to hybrid tea roses, rambler roses and shrub roses, ground cover roses should only be severely pruned every 4 to 5 years. This keeps their growth compact, dense and strong. The rose bush is stimulated to develop new shoots.

When pruning, the plant is shortened to about 15 cm. 1 to 2 eyes should then still be present per shoot. The right time for such a radical cut is early spring. You can use both a

Rose scissors as well as one Hedge trimmer(€ 77.00 at Amazon *) use. Ground cover roses are usually robust.

But there are also certain exceptions that can tolerate such a radical cut every year and for which it is advisable every year. These include, for example sorts 'The Fairy' and 'Swany'.

Clean up the old flowers in summer?

While the wilted flowers of other types of roses are easy to clean, this is difficult with the ground cover roses. Due to the low growth, the tangled shoots and the many thorns, it is a laborious affair to remove the old flowers every week.

It is better if you wait until flowering is over around July. Then cut down the entire plant a little. It will sprout again and with luck there will be a re-flowering towards the middle / end of August. Warning: not all varieties bloom twice a year!

Propagation: cut cuttings

In addition to the care A cut of ground cover roses can also be used to propagate them. All you have to do is find suitable shoots. The shoots should be about 4 inches long, straight, and healthy. The lower leaves and any flowers are removed and the cutting is placed in the moist soil.