It is now a new year which means gardeners will begin to head back into the garden, and there is one easy task to start with for roses to ensure they bloom brilliantly in 2025. 

Stina Hasan, a gardener and founder of The Hackney Gardener, has shared that roses need to be pruned in January to help remove weak stems so that the plant grows back stronger with bigger flowers. 

She said: “To get good blooms this summer, you need to put in a little bit of work now. January is the perfect time to prune roses here in London; if you live somewhere colder, you may need to wait until February or March."

However, if you live somewhere colder, such as in northern England, Northern Ireland, or Scotland, you can wait until February to prune. Just do not leave it too late, as it will be more work to prune an overgrown rose bush. 

Pruning roses is quick and easy. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes, and once it is done, your plant will be as healthy as possible to start the new year. 

Stina said: “Rose pruning is one of those jobs that can seem a bit intimidating but really it is quite straight forward and once you get used to the idea of cutting to improve the shape and vigour of the plant, it is quite enjoyable.”

How to prune roses in January 

To prune roses, you will need a pair of clean pruning shears, thick gloves, and disinfectant spray or alcohol to clean the shears.

First, inspect the plant and identify any dead, dark or damaged branches, then cut them off. Make sure to cut away any discoloured or spindly growth as well to encourage the roses to grow as strong as possible.

If weak stems are allowed to remain, roses will redirect their energy into maintaining that part of the plant rather than focusing on flower production.

Also, cut away any crossing branches at the base of the roses to prevent overgrowing. More air circulation also reduces the risk of fungal disease.

Make sure to wipe down the shears with disinfectant after each cut. This greatly reduces the risk of diseases such as black spot spreading to other parts of the plant.

Do not be reluctant to cut away at the plant. Roses are pruned in January because they are still dormant and less likely to be stressed. Once you are done pruning, you should have plenty of side shoots, the smaller branches on roses, which will produce big and healthy flowers once summer arrives. 

Stina said: “The main things to remember is that by making cuts you stimulate the plant to create side shoots which will give you flowers. Roses are really vigorous and will grow back quickly even if you cut them back to the base so don’t be nervous – chop away!” 

After pruning, make sure to clean up after foliage on the ground. The decaying plant matter can encourage bacterial infections or pests due to the build-up of moisture.