I would like to know the correct way to prune miniature roses?

Question

How much to prune of last years growth, exactly WHERE to make the prune on the miniature rose.

Answer 1

Miniature roses do not need special pruning. Just cut out dead growth and remove the hips.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets3/prune-rose/MAR87PR1.HTML

Miniature Roses: Everblooming varieties can be lightly trimmed or tip-pruned several times a year, as they flower on new growth.
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1173.htm

Pruning small rose bushes, whether in containers or in the ground, is important to ensure the bush maintains a pleasing shape. At the end of the dormant season, in late March or early April, cut back stems to the lowest outward-facing growth eyes. The result will be a well-pruned plant that produces stronger growth for flower production.
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Flowers/Roses/minirose.htm

Miniature Roses: Prune only to shape. Cut back to an outward facing bud after blooming.
http://gardening.about.com/od/rose1/a/RosePruning.htm

"Miniature roses need very little pruning. Just prune them to the desired shape. Cut any new shoots which have emerged from below the soil line to about 1/2 its length. When the branches finish flowering, cut them back to a new outward facing bud."
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/pruningroses.htm


All the sources say to just prune to shape & remove dead wood to encourage new growth and bloom, & improve air circulation.

Here's a nice site on the basics of pruning roses:
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/roses/prune.html
Cut at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above outward-facing bud. The cut should slant away from the bud. Entirely remove all dead or dying canes. These can be identified as canes that are shriveled, dark brown, or black. After making cuts, it is suggested to seal the ends of the cuts to prevent the entry of cane borers. White glue works well. Remove all thin, weak canes that are smaller than a pencil in diameter.

Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I'd like to know the best answer to this question, too. I bought some beautiful miniature roses from the grocery store and all three plants look sickly right now. The leaves are getting black spots, turning yellow, and falling off. New, healthier growth is coming, however. Are you planning on bringing your miniature roses indoors for the winter? You wouldn't have to completely prune them back, correct? I do know that you are supposed to cut the branches at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above a bud that is facing toward the outside of the plant.

Answer 3

I have had a great deal of success taking a pair of kitchen scissors and trimming the plant back. I found pruning shears were too heavy for the job.

Take the dead bloom in your hand and cut with the scissors where the stalk meets with some of the other branches.

Also, when the bush starts to become too tall and not full enough, cut it back, again, at a join in the branches so that it will grow in a different direction and shape.

If any of the branches start to look dead or the leaves start yellowing, I typically cut them off too. Remember that you do not want any of the dead leaves to stay in the pot because they may foster disease, so remove any of the clippings you have made.

Answer 4

you should NOT bring in miniatures for winter... they are fine outdoors with a little blanket of mulch around them and over them if you''re in a VERY cold zone.... otherwise treat them just like regular rose bushes.....they are very hardy and love being outdoors and out of those danged old POTS!!!....