Roses are popular plants in the UK, flowering all the way from late spring to early autumn. Some roses only flower once, while others bloom continuously throughout the season. Whilst it can be tempting to prune roses throughout June when the weather is warmer, it is generally a bad idea.

This is because it disrupts their natural growth cycle, reduces flowering potential and can weaken the plant. Roses actively grow during the summer months, and pruning throughout June can lead to sap loss as well as increased susceptibility to diseases. All of this can result in a decrease in bloom production, leaving your garden without any flowers for the summer months.

Typically, roses should be pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy growth, vibrant blooms and a strong plant.

However, this doesn’t mean gardeners shouldn’t deadhead all types of roses throughout June, which is the height of the rose blooming season.

Deadheading is different to pruning with secateurs as you simply take your thumb and index finger, pinching off any spent petals.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), deadheading is essential for encouraging more flowers and keeping rose bushes looking healthy and vibrant.

David Austin Roses said there are two stages to deadheading, with the first removing the brown finished blooms so you can enjoy the remaining flowers without interruption.

The second stage encourages new blooms and helps to maintain a compact shape.

To do the first step, start by identifying any spent flowers by looking for wilted, faded or otherwise unattractive flowers.

Next, pinch or cut off the finished flower just below where the base of the flower joins the stem. Leave any remaining buds or blooms to continue flowering, continuing this as required throughout the flowering season.

Step two involves removing the entire flowering head by cutting the stem just above the first leaf with five leaflets.

Once all the flowering heads have been removed, cut any tall stems back to the height of the rest of the plant, trying to create a neat, rounded shape as you go.

Plants which should be pruned in June include evergreen berberis, Buddleja globosa, as well as hardy fuchsias.

Rhododendrons can also be lightly pruned after flowering, but more severe pruning should wait until the following spring.