Rose 'Margaret Merril'

Aftercare Advice

Roses require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

Roses will benefit from annual pruning to keep them healthy and in good shape. Newly planted roses should only be lightly pruned in the first year, to help them focus their energy into establishing a stronger root system.

For most Roses, including modern and repeat-flowering varieties, the best time to prune is in late winter to early spring, around the time when their new growth begins. On repeat-flowering varieties, dead flowers should be removed in summer to encourage flower production. In general, rambling and climbing roses, as well as once-blooming varieties, are best pruned in summer, after they’ve finished flowering.

Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, and then any that are crowded or crossing. Make sure you are cutting at a 45 degree angle above an outward facing bud. Also remove any weak, spindly or thin growth (branches that are thinner than a pencil) as well as any older woody growth. Also remove any suckers that are growing below the graft.

If you’re not sure how much to take off, a good rule of thumb is to take 1/3 off the previous year’s growth. Generally you should be aiming for an open, vase-like shape for your plant.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.