Truth be told, rugosa roses (often called beach roses or apple roses) are pretty low-maintenance and don’t strictly *need* to be pruned to survive. However, if you want a bush that’s bursting with blooms or if you’re trying to manage its size, a little TLC with the shears goes a long way. Here’s the lowdown on how to prune them like a pro.
How to Prune Your Rugosa Roses
If you want to keep your rugosa roses from taking over the garden, a regular trim is your best friend. After planting, I recommend cutting them back every other year. For those thick, established canes, go ahead and snip off about four buds. If the stems are younger and more tender, just a light trim of about two buds will do. Always make sure your garden shears are sharp and—this is a big one—disinfect them before you start to keep your plants healthy.
Here’s your quick gear checklist:
- Sturdy gardening gloves (those thorns are no joke!)
- Sharp pruning shears or loppers
- Disinfectant (rubbing alcohol works great)
While you’re at it, keep an eye out for any dead or dried-out wood. You’ll want to cut those stems all the way down to the ground. This “tough love” actually jumpstarts the plant’s natural growth, encouraging it to send out fresh new shoots and maintain a beautiful shape. Your garden will thank you with a much more impressive floral display!
Pruning Rugosa Rose Hedges
While individual shrubs are fine with a biennial trim, rugosa rose hedges need a little more attention. To keep a hedge looking sharp, plan for an annual pruning session. Spring is hands-down the best time to do this, right as the plant is waking up. Not only does this keep the hedge tidy, but it also supercharges the flower production for the coming season.
For a hedge, I like to identify the two oldest canes and cut them right down to the soil line. This makes room for vigorous new growth. You should also thin out the hedge a bit overall. This isn’t just about looks—it improves airflow through the branches. Better circulation helps moisture evaporate faster, which is your best defense against pesky diseases and fungal issues.
