Pruning roses

[Scottyw]

Another quick gardening question. Is now the right time to prune roses? If so, can anyone give some quick and easy tips? We've inherited some old roses from our new houses former owners and I would hate to kill them! 

[MartyH]

Yup, winter is the right time, although you might want to wait a month or two if you're in an area that gets frosts. Pruning is important to encourage new growth and flowers. Here's a how-to video:

[Isobel]

Has it finished flowering @Scottyw? My tip would be to ensure you have a good pair of gardening gloves and really sharp secateurs. You might also need a saw to remove the really old dark brown stems. 

[Scottyw]

Yes Isobel, I think it has finished flowering now. Thanks for the tips.

[Isobel]

No problem. I still have quite a few flowers so will be waiting another month or two. 

[greygardener]

Don't be too worried when pruning. Roses are really tough so you're not going to hurt the plant. The worst thing that can happen is that you just get a few less flowers next season. Remember to get rid of all the dead wood and make the cut on the new wood just above the buds on the stems - the buds are where the new shoots emerge. 

[wilso2310]

What do you use to sharpen and clean your pruning tools?

[greygardener]

@wilso2310

I try to wipe my secateurs with warm soapy water after each use, then rub them with a bit of vegetable oil to keep them from rusting. I have one of these to sharpen the blades - https://www.bunnings.com.au/eze-lap-diamond-fine-stone-sharpener_p5766728

[Jason]

This might be handy @wilso2310

[greygardener]

While winter is traditionally the time for pruning roses, I see Yates is encouraging rose owners to also prune now in summer for another flush of blooms in autumn.

See http://www.yates.com.au/garden-calendar/january/roses/