The dog rose is a wild rose and, like other wild plants, does not require any special care. So it grows even without regular pruning. However, you can definitely promote and support the health and willingness to bloom of your dog rose with the cut.
Dog roses do not necessarily need pruning
Unfortunately, the dog rose is not well suited for the vase, because the individual flowers only last a few days, even if that doesn't seem so in view of the abundance of flowers. However, from September you can cut a few branches with rose hips. These look very pretty in an autumn bouquet.
How do I prune my dog rose properly?
Only use clean and sharp tools to cut your dog rose so that you do not transmit disease germs or crush branches when cutting. Fungi or germs can easily penetrate crushed shoots and damage your plant.
First, remove all diseased, withered and weak shoots. Then they cut off the three-year-old shoots, on which only a few flowers and rose hips form. So you can count on a rich harvest. If your dog rose is in a hedge, then you may adjust the height to the other plants so that the hedge gives a nice overall picture.
Can I also do a radical pruning?
If you haven't trimmed your dog rose for a few years, or if it has simply become too big for you, then you can certainly dare a radical trimming. However, you then have to do without flowering for a whole summer. Because the dog rose only blooms on the old wood, not on the young shoots. You should therefore consider whether you would rather switch to regular haircuts in the future.
The most important cutting tips for the dog rose:
- always use clean and sharp tools
- If possible, do not cut off fresh shoots
- Cut off sick and dry shoots close to the ground
- Trim three-year-old shoots as needed
- radical pruning possible
tips
If possible, never cut off the fresh shoots, they will form the flowers and rose hips next year.