Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
I’m deadheading my roses today, in the rain. Deadheading, or the act of removing spent blossoms, is essential for two reasons. First, it interrupts the plant’s reproductive cycle, and tricks the rose into growing more flowers; next, it reduces the number of insects that visit the garden in order to dine on damp, decaying rose petals. Grab an umbrella, and I’ll show you how to handle this deadheading business like a pro.
There are three things in my deadheading-arsenal: heavy, thorn-proof gloves, sharp hand-pruners, and a deep, woven basket. If you are worried about spreading disease among your roses, you will want to add two additional items: a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a cloth. This way, you can sterilize the pruning-blade before moving from one shrub to another.
The Five-Leaflet Rule: Hold the dead blossom in one hand, and with the other, trace down the stem until you see a leaf that exhibits five leaflets. Cut just above this leaflet, say, a quarter of an inch. This is the point from which a new, flowering stem will emerge. Drop the severed stem into your basket. (I like to chop long, severed stems into smallish pieces for faster decomposition in my compost bin.)
Of course, if you are dealing with a cluster of blossoms on a single stem, and only a few of the flowers have faded, just cut the dead ones off. When the last blossom has withered, cut the stem down to the five-leaflet point.
While you are at it, trim off any dead wood from the bush, and also remove thin or criss-crossing canes. This will allow more light and air to reach inside the plant, and further promote the rose’s good health and decorative value.
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Justin says
Kevin, I can tell you are a gardener just by looking at those gloves! Sorry that you have to work in the rain. Must be a drag.
Janis in Chicago says
Well, this explains why my “ever blooming” David Austin roses don't do much after their first big flush in June. I've just been cutting the old flowers off. I wasn't aware of the 5 leaf rule.
Donna says
Your roses look SO healthy. I take it you don't have Japanese Beetles this year?
rob says
Any tips on the best kinds of pruners to get
Gardenlady says
I deadhead my knock-out roses, too, even though they don't require it. I just like to keep them “tidy.”
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Donna – only a few Japanese beetles…so far.
Rob – Thanks for stopping by! Felco pruners are the best. Expensive, but the best.
Anne says
After weeks of constant rain, my roses are br own masses that never opened. I'm dead heading, hoping for another bloom. The beetles have arrived but hopefully, with nothing to eat, they'll go elsewhere.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Anne – Most of roses look pretty sad right now, too. I'm deadheading almost daily. My fairy roses are still going strong, however, and they completely beetle-free!
CIELO says
Very instructive! Thank YOU! I'm adding your blog to my blog roll…
Cielo – The house in the roses