How to Prune the Fairy Rose

Rosa polyantha is known as "The Fairy" the world over. Introduced in Britain in 1932, this lower growing, bushy, and suitable for hedging rose can be quite prolific with blooms once the season begins. They come in many colors and have a list of pluses going for them. Though the Fairy isn't grown so much for scent, the abundance of delicate, small bloom clusters can bring a garden alive. Prune stems back after they've completed their full show of bloom -- or wait until spring to do the overall plant.

Things You'll Need

Pruning shears

Garden gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Cut out all dead wood. Remove weak or straggly wood and cut back lateral branches that extend excessively or distort the overall shape of the bush.
- 2
  Trim the plant back to no more than one third of its total size. Take out the center of each branch cluster. Make cuts just above bud notches and leaf sections, on a slight angle to direct new growth outward.
- 3
  Thin the plant's interior stalks if it is too dense by removing branches packed too closely together. This will allow for more air to circulate.

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