Roses need pruning from time to time - and as you increase in confidence and experience - you will know intuitively when to prune and how much to prune.  Roses are a slightly complicated area - but don't be put off - have a go!

There are many different types of rose.  Three main groups are climbers, standard roses, and bush roses.

Bush Roses >>> prune much like you would a shrub.  Cut back to maintain a good bush shape during the season - and in the Autumn - give it a good haircut!

Standard Roses >>> during the season prune the spent flowers - but do not just cut the flower off at the tip.  Follow the branch fairly low down the plant and cut back to an outward facing bud if you can. Pruning harder is better as a general rule - than leaving the plant alone in the fear that you will loose precious flowers.  Always prune to keep a good form rather than flowers and you should not go too far wrong. 

In the Autumn give the rose a good prune.  Prune out dead, diseased and damaged first.  Then prune fairly hard down to lower buds.

Climbers >>> prune some of older canes down to the ground each year in Autumn.  Choose three or four main longer canes to form the structure of the plant and tie them in to a suitable support.  Prune the side shoots back to a bud close to the three or four main leaders.  In this way you allow the plant to produce new flowering shoots the following year without loosing all of its growth.

When feeding roses - feed the soil.  Apply a thick layer of manure around the roses each year in Autumn.  When planting roses - wait until winter and buy bare rooted if you can.  Plant them deep and apply a thick layer of manure mulch around the roses.

Roses may need spraying up to 4 times a year with a black spot spray to keep the foliage in good fettle.