What happens if roses aren't pruned annually?

The roses will be really unhealthy and won't flower well if you don't do any annual pruning. Unpruned roses grow into thick clumps that prevent good airflow. In that still air, fungal diseases do well. Without maintenance, flowers will be smaller and fewer every season.

Pest populations explode in unpruned roses. Spider mites inhabit the dense inner foliage, resulting in an uncontrolled infestation. Aphids swarm on the tender shoots; the aphids are ruining the plant! I previously discovered borers in 60% of the canes of neglected roses during their restoration. Pruning regularly keeps these creatures at bay earlier in the infestation.

Structural decline causes roses to be unsafe. Old canes will break under their own weight during wind and rain. Tangled old canes are difficult to navigate and painful to move through. I will re-support such plants with temporary stakes before I do rehabilitation pruning. Safety comes before aesthetics.

Revitalize neglected roses with targeted pruning. To start, cut out dead wood. Next, cut accumulated growth for 2 seasons. Never cut more than one-third in a season. After the first pruning, apply a balanced fertilizer. Total recovery may take 2 to 3 seasons.

Preventive care prevents decline before it begins. Plan on annual late winter pruning. Monitor for early signs of disease, and clean tools after each session. Consistent attention will keep roses healthy for decades. Your efforts will yield exponential returns.

Read the full article: How to Prune Roses for Vibrant Blooms