- 1). Prune your rambling roses in late summer or early fall in order to maximize flower production in the next growing season. Always begin by seeking out and removing dead wood from the base of the cane.
- 2). Prune next for shape. Look for branches that have outgrown the general silhouette of the plant. Remove them a few inches above the woody part of the cane.
- 3). Thin your rambling rose by examining the canes to identify the oldest and woodiest among them. Remove about a third of these at the base or just above where the woody part of the cane ends.
- 4). Deadhead (prune or pinch away) spent blossoms. This will not produce a new flush of blossoms in rambling roses because they are not continuous bloomers, but will nevertheless improve the overall health and appearance of the plant.
- 5). Inspect your rose bush again in spring after new growth has begun to appear to identify and remove any additional dead wood.
- 6). Throughout the season, watch for and remove soil-level suckers or sprouts.
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