Shrub Roses (Floribundas)
The best way to begin is by bunching the stems together if possible and cutting them all to the same height, approximately by half to a third, which will make it easier to see what needs to be done. Reduce overcrowded branches to enable new shoots to grow, remove any old wood, which has thicker, darker stems, cutting them back to the base of the rose bush. This will make room for fresh new basal shoots next Spring. Remove all dead and diseased branches. The next step is to prune any branches and side shoots that are growing inwards, towards the centre of the bush. Ideally, the ultimate shape of the rose bush should be an open ‘cup’ shape with the top formed into a rounded dome.

Miniature Roses
Cut down to around 20cms above the base and, as with Floribunda roses, cut out any dead, diseased and weak branches.

Climbing Roses
Untie climbers from their supports and pull the branches apart so any old wood is visible and can be cut out at the base of the plant to make room for new basal stems to grow. Remove dead, diseased and weak branches completely and prune the remaining branches by two-thirds. Re-attach the branches to the supports.

Rambling Roses
These roses have long flexible stems and are pruned after flowering by cutting out at least a third of any old wood, then shortening the remaining shoots to keep them under control.