Even though miniature roses don’t get very big, they still benefit a ton from a good pruning. How much you should actually cut back depends on the specific variety you have, but don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks! Here’s my guide on how to keep your mini roses looking their best.
The Best Time for Your Annual Pruning
Ideally, you’ll want to give your miniature roses a haircut once a year. Timing is everything here! For most of us, spring is the perfect time to prune. However, if you’re planning to bring your roses indoors to overwinter, you can actually prune them back in the fall instead.
Pruning early makes it much easier to care for your plants over the winter, and let’s be honest—they take up way less shelf space that way! But if your roses are staying outside in the garden, leave them be until spring. Those extra leaves and stems act like a cozy winter coat, protecting the plant from the biting cold. If you cut them too early, you risk the plant not bouncing back with that same vigor when the weather warms up.
How to Prune Your Miniature Roses Like a Pro
Before you start snipping away at your miniature roses, grab a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears. I can’t stress this enough: make sure your blades are sterilized! Clean tools prevent you from accidentally introducing germs or fungi into the fresh cuts, which can lead to nasty diseases like black spot or mildew.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- Gardening gloves (those thorns are tiny but mighty!)
- Sharp pruning shears
- Disinfectant (rubbing alcohol works great)
First, look for any stems that look dried out or dead. If a branch is brittle or doesn’t show any green inside, cut it back until you hit healthy wood. You can even cut dead stems right down to the ground if needed. Next, give the plant a little “shape-up” to keep it looking tidy. Finally, thin out the center of the bush. This improves airflow, which keeps the plant healthy and encourages a massive flush of beautiful new blooms!
