Thinning is better than cropping
Dog roses usually do not bloom on this year's shoots, but on the biennial shoots. For this reason, pruning should be done very carefully so that you do not inadvertently deprive yourself of the desired blossoms. In any case, pruning is basically not necessary or only necessary every few years, because a simple cutout is usually sufficient for the dog rose.
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When thinning out, all sick, damaged, bare or otherwise disturbing branches and shoots should be removed, except for this year's one. The new shoots should be left on the bush as they will bear the new flowers in the following year. If possible, this cut should be made after the leaf has lost in late autumn (but before the first frost!), Whereby you should of course cut away diseased or dead branches all year round.
Rejuvenate dog rose by radical pruning
About every four to five years, however, a more radical pruning may be necessary, as the dog rose balds over time and develops fewer flowers. A rejuvenation is therefore necessary, in which the dog rose is cut back by about a quarter to half. Make sure you always cut about five millimeters above an outward-pointing eye or new shoot and also always make the cut at a slight angle. This cut should also ideally be carried out on a frost-free day in late autumn.
Rules for pruning
So that your dog rose can cope well with the pruning and can then continue to grow even more vigorously, you should observe the following cutting rules:
- Only cut with freshly sharpened and cleaned tools.
- Disinfection with high-proof alcohol prevents germs from entering.
- Be sure to wear gloves when cutting to avoid injury from the thorns.
- Keep the cut surfaces at a slight angle, then the wounds will heal better.
- Larger cuts should be treated with a wound closure agent.
- Dead and diseased wood is removed and disposed of immediately - but not via the compost!
- Cut back old wood regularly to keep the shrub young.
Tips
There is a good motto when it comes to pruning not only dog roses: Always cut back weak shoots strongly, but strong shoots only weakly.
