Shrub roses have become very popular in recent years. New varietes that are winter hardy in our growing area with minimal protection are readily available in garden centers and by mail order from speciality rose growers. Their exquisite blooms in colors of pink, red, yellow, and white appear in June. For some of these roses this is the only period of bloom. But for others, called recurrent bloomers, smaller flushes of bloom can be seen throughout the summer, provided the spent flowers are removed, a process called deadheading.

When pruning out the deadheads be sure to remove the stem back to at least the first five leaf segment [1]. It is at this point that a new lateral shoot will appear [2] that should produce flower buds. When pruning use sharp clean pruning shears and cut the stem on a 45 degree angle [3] 1/4 inch above the leaf node. Keep in mind cutting too close will prevent the new shoot from growing, and cutting too far away will leave an unattractive stub.

Some shrub roses can become quite large, even with one season's growth. To keep this growth in check, you can prune further back on the cane when deadheading. Just look for the appearance of new lateral shoots. Try to choose an outward facing bud or shoot to prune back to as this allows the rose to grow out allowing more light and air into the center of the bush.