Cutting potato rose - this is how the perfect pruning succeeds

Pruning the potato rose properly - tips and tricks

Does the potato rose have to be cut regularly?

Although the potato rose thrives without pruning, this promotes dense growth and abundance of flowers. You should therefore use secateurs regularly. Otherwise it can happen that your potato rose only buds moderately, because it blooms mainly on the new shoots that have grown in spring.

When is the right time to cut?

It is best to prune your potato rose before it starts to bud, i.e. in (late) winter or early spring. You only cut freestanding roses every two years. Make sure that the top bud of a pruned shoot always points outwards.

Above all, trim the weak shoots. Leave about two to three buds there. Shorten the stronger shoots just a little. Your potato rose will grow relatively loosely and bloom abundantly.

How do I prune a hedge with potato roses?

A hedge should be pruned every year to keep it beautiful. This also applies if you have planted potato roses. Here you cut the oldest shoots of the potato rose directly above the ground. So the plant stays young and dense.

Can I cut the potato rose for the vase too?

The potato rose is not a classic cut flower, but it can also be cut well for the vase. Beware of the sharp thorns, however, as the touch can be quite painful. You may prefer to wear gloves when cutting.

The fruits (rose hips) of the potato rose are edible and can be harvested from August. They are quite thick and fleshy and can be made into chutneys, jam or a delicious liqueur. The petals, which are also edible, can be used for rose flower jelly, tea or to flavor sweets and desserts.

When dried on a branch, the rose hips are a great autumn decoration. Cut the branches just before the fruits are fully ripe and then hang them to dry in an airy and well-protected place, because even birds like rose hips quite a lot. For this reason, you should never harvest all the fruits of a potato rose, but always leave some over.