Deadheading Roses: The Secret to Continuous Blooms

Pink rose bloom.

Roses are my favorite flower to grow, especially on my south-facing patio where they thrive in the sunshine. But there was a period when my rose bushes stopped blooming, and I couldn't figure out why.

I thought I was deadheading correctly by making a 45-degree cut above a leaf node. What I didn't realize was that proper deadheading involves a lot more than a quick snip. The location of your cut, the health of the stem, and even the time of year can all affect how your rose responds.

If your roses aren't reblooming the way you'd hoped, you've come to the right place. I spent months learning through trial and error so you don't have to. Here's everything I learned about deadheading roses the proper way and how it can encourage healthier plants and more blooms throughout the season.

What Is Deadheading?

We will start with the what and why of the importance of Deadheading. Deadheading is simply the process of removing old or faded flowers from your rose bush.

Not only does it keep your plant looking tidy, but it can also:

• Encourage more blooms

• Improve airflow around the plant

• Reduce the risk of disease

• Help your garden stay neat and healthy

How to Deadhead a Rose

Now we will get into the how. It is not as simple as snipping off the rose bloom right below the rose. Trust me, you are going to want to get it right so you can continue to see your rose bloom throughout the year.

Step 1: Find the Spent Bloom

Look for flowers that are beginning to fade, wilt, brown, or lose petals. Or simply pick a bloom that you want to add to your kitchen bouquet; that is what I do;)

Step 2: Follow the Stem Down

Trace the flower stem down until you find the first set of five healthy leaves. Rose growers often recommend making your cut just above this leaf set.

Step 3: Make the Cut

Using clean, sharp pruners, make your cut about ¼ inch above the five-leaflet leaf at a 45-degree angle. Angle the cut away from the center of the plant and in the same direction as the leaf bud. This helps direct water away from the new growth point and encourages healthy regrowth.

Step 4: Clean Up Fallen Petals

Remove any dead petals or debris from around the base of the plant to help prevent fungal issues. The rose is especially prone to catching any sickness as it is busy putting energy into creating a new bloom.

Pink and orange rose bouquet.

Deadheading is one of those small garden tasks that can make a big difference. It only takes a few minutes, but it helps keep your roses healthy, encourages more blooms, and keeps your garden looking beautiful throughout the season.

As I continue learning and growing my own rose garden, deadheading has quickly become one of my favorite ways to spend a quiet morning outside.