According to renowned gardening expert Monty Don, deadheading and pruning roses daily during mid-summer is a crucial task to extend their flowering period. By removing spent blooms, gardeners encourage the growth of new side shoots that bear flower buds, effectively prolonging the blooming season. Additionally, deadheading prevents the plant from developing seeds, which enhances the chances of repeat flowering as the plant can allocate its resources to producing more blooms rather than seeds.
Throughout the blooming season, gardeners should regularly inspect their rose plants for signs of wilting or fading blooms. When they notice these signs, it’s time to remove the entire cluster. By deadheading, they are essentially pruning the plant and stimulating fresh side shoots that will bear new flower buds, thus extending the flowering season.
Monty Don recommends using a pair of secateurs to cut back to the first leaf below the spent flower. A new shoot will then emerge from this point. However, it’s important to note that some roses, particularly species bushes, produce beautiful hips in autumn. If you wish to enjoy these hips, allow the flowers to set seed and fruit. Otherwise, you can remove the spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering.
Deadheading is a simple yet effective gardening task that can be done gradually. Wearing gardening gloves, carrying an adequately sized bucket, and choosing the appropriate method is all that is required. By performing this task regularly, gardeners can ensure strong blooms and a fresh appearance for their rose plants throughout the flowering seasons to come.
