How to Cut Back Hybrid Tea Roses

Use sharp pruning shears so you'll make a clean cut when cutting shoots back. When making cuts on the shoots, cut each shoot at a 45-degree angle to help water shed off each of the stubs.

Shorten each shoot on the outside of the plant by cutting them with the pruning shears. Cut them to a length of 10-12 inches to help promote new growth and a healthier rose bush.

Cut back the central stems of the rose bush down to the base of each shoot. This will open up the rose bush, allowing room for other shoots to receive the light and nourishment they need in order to thrive.

Cut off all the dead, diseased, damaged and weak shoots that appear anywhere on the rose bush. Cut them back to the point where you see a healthy, green shoot growing. This will promote a healthy shoot that will grow properly.

Cut away with the pruning shears all the shoots that are thinner than a pencil. Cut them off all the way to the base of the shoot. This allows the healthier shoots on the plant to propagate, flower and thrive.

Cut away with the pruning shears all thick nonproductive shoots near the bud. This will provide nourishment and light to the healthier part of the shoots on the rose bush so they will flower.