Pruning hybrid tea and floribunda roses is the secret to keeping a nice shape and plenty of flowers. While the task can seem intimidating, it is essentially an exercise in “out with the old, in with the new.” The primary goal is to encourage vigorous growth and ensure the plant’s energy is directed toward producing those iconic blooms rather than tired or unproductive wood.

The process begins with a rigorous cleanup. Using sharp, clean secateurs, your first priority is the removal of the “three Ds”: dead, damaged, and diseased wood. Dead stems are easy to spot—they are typically brittle and brown in colour. Cutting these back to the base, or to the point where the pith inside the stem is creamy white, like a sliced apple. Next, look for stems that are crossing or rubbing against one another. Friction is an invitation for trouble; rubbing creates open wounds in the bark that serve as entry points for fungal infections. By removing the weaker of the two crossing branches, you open up the centre of the bush to allow for better airflow and light penetration.

You should always aim to cut roughly 5mm above a healthy, outward-facing bud. By choosing a bud that points away from the centre of the plant, you ensure the new branch grows outward, maintaining an open “goblet” shape. The cut itself should be angled downward, away from the bud, to allow rainwater to slide off rather than pooling on the delicate growth point. For hybrid teas, prune hard to leave three to five strong canes. Floribundas, which are more communal in their blooming habit, can be left a bit taller to create a fuller, more rounded shape.