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Home and Garden
Gardening
Planting and Growing
Growing Flowers
Roses
How to Deadhead Roses Download Article Reviewed by Ben Barkan
Last Updated: June 11, 2025 Fact Checked
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Preparing to Deadhead
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Cutting Shoots
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This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 412,016 times.
When a rose is spent, or has completed its bloom and is beginning to wilt, it should be removed. This process is known as “deadheading” and is done to keep roses looking attractive and encourages more blooms. Deadheading tricks a rose bush to focus on budding and flowering new roses, rather than spending energy on dying roses or producing seeds. During the blooming or summer season, you should deadhead a rose bush regularly until the bush starts to harden for the winter.
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Preparing to Deadhead
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1 Gather the tools you’ll need to deadhead. You will need a sharp, clean pair of shears, gardening gloves, and a large bucket to haul away your clippings.[1]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Your shears should be able to make very clean cuts, but can be small enough to be held in your hand and make precise cuts.
Invest in gloves that cover not only your hands but your forearms as well. Some rose bushes are very thick and tall, and will require you to reach into the bush to prune certain roses. Covering your arms will protect you from thorns.
2 Learn to identify a spent rose and other problematic areas that need deadheading. Deadheading is done not only to promote more blooms, but it is also done to keep your rose bush healthy and free of fungal diseases and insects. Examine your rose bush and look for things such as:[2]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Spent roses. When roses complete their bloom, they will start to wilt or sag down towards the ground. Their petals will also become extremely loose and fall off even in the gentlest winds. These shoots will need to be deadheaded.
Competing roses. Some roses may cross paths or be entwined together. These roses are essentially competing against each other to grow in the same small space, stunting their growths and their appearances. By deadheading these roses correctly, you can change the direction that they’ll grow next time they bloom.[3]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Roses that grow inwards. You always want the union or the bottom base of your rose bush to have plenty of sun and water. A rose shoot that grows inwards will obstruct sunlight and water from reaching the union and possibly cause bacterial fungi to fester. Essentially, you want a rose bush with all shoots growing outwards and a clear path that leads to the union.[4]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
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Cutting Shoots
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1 Identify a 5-leaf set that is facing the correct direction. Observe your rose shoots and you’ll probably see sets of 3 or 5 leaves. The correct way to deadhead a rose is to cut just above a leaf set that has 5 or more leaves. The 5-leaf set (sometimes called a true leaf) should be facing the direction you want your shoot to grow. For example, if you want your rose shoot to grow outward, cut at a 5-leaf set that is pointing outwards as well.
Cutting at the 3-leaf set level can result in a non-flowering shoot called “blind wood”.[5]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source This means, the shoot can no longer flower or grow anymore roses. However, the blind wood may flower the next season.
You do not have to cut your shoot at the first 5-leaf set you see. Sometimes, a leaf set might be facing the wrong direction and you’ll need to cut further down.
2 Notice the bud eye. At the joining point of the leaf set and the shoot, you may see a dark dot just above it. This is called the bud eye and will be the point from which a new stem will grow into a rose. You should make your cut just above the bud eye.
If you need to prune or deadhead many rose bushes, you may not have time to look for each and every bud eye. Fortunately, the bud eye is located very close to its leaf set. Just make your cut about ¼ inch (6 mm) above the 5-leaf set.
3 Make your cut at a 45-degree angle. You never want to make your cut straight. The 45-degree cut will help water from your sprinklers or rain to run off of the shoot and avoid bacteria or fungi from growing on the shoot.[6]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
There are conflicting opinions on whether gardening shears should be used at a 45-degree angle when pruning roses. Many sources claim the angle at which you cut does not affect how well the plant heals or how many blooms it produces.
Consider placing a dot of white glue on the edges of the freshly cut shoot. It can reduce the risk of disease getting into the base of the plant.
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Question How do you prune roses in the summer? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Remove crisscrossing branches, dead or diseased wood, and prune the roses to the desired shape. Remove no more than 1/3 of the growth during the pruning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 19
Question What time of year to prune roses? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Roses can be deadheaded throughout the growing season. For old roses, prune after they bloom in the late summer or fall. Generally, roses can be pruned in the early spring before the leaves appear as well. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 12
Question How do you deadhead a flower? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Cut the spent bloom off from the stem with hand pruners. While you don't have to do this, it will make the plant look better. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 8
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Tips
If you do not deadhead a rose bush, your dying roses will become seeds, or hips. By deadheading, you’ll be able to enjoy more blooms during the growing season. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
If you want to reduce the size of the rose bush in general, cut lower down the shoot. This is needed especially for roses that grow rapidly and abundantly like David Austin roses. However, the lower you prune, the longer it will take for new blooms to form. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2
Put tender rose trimmings into the compost bin if you desire. However, avoid putting matured or thick wooded rose trimmings into the compost bin since they will break down more slowly than tender, younger stems. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
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Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Professional Gardener This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 412,016 times. 14 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9Updated: June 11, 2025 Views: 412,016 Categories: RosesArticle SummaryX
To deadhead roses, you should remove wilted, intertwined, or inward-growing blooms. To cut off these blooms, start by looking at the shoots for sets of 5 leaves that are growing in the direction you want future shoots to grow in. Then, use pruning shears to make cuts about 1/4 inch above the sets of 5 leaves. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, which will help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing on the shoots. To learn how to reduce the risk of disease when you're deadheading roses, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Kelly Viray
Aug 9, 2017
"My niece bought a house in San Antonio, TX that has rose bushes in the front. She works long hours and has no time for gardening or yard work. Thanks to the information in this article, I am planning to surprise her by grooming her rose bushes so that when she pulls up in her driveway after a long day, she'll see and smell these beautiful roses!"..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Professional Gardener Co-authors: 9Updated: June 11, 2025 Views: 412,016100% of readers found this article helpful. 14 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Kelly Viray
Aug 9, 2017
"My niece bought a house in San Antonio, TX that has rose bushes in the front. She works long hours and has no time for gardening or yard work. Thanks to the information in this article, I am planning to surprise her by grooming her rose bushes so that when she pulls up in her driveway after a long day, she'll see and smell these beautiful roses!"..." more Rated this article:
Glenn Muck
Jun 2, 2017
"I have a better understanding of how and when to water my rose. I have over fifty plants, and keeping them all healthy is a big challenge. I now know to water based on the age and general appearance of each plant. I am somewhat of a novice as far as rose growing is concerned, but each article I read makes my hobby a little easier."..." more
Kathryn Blane
Mar 2, 2018
"It is winter in the Pacific Northwest, where my roses are currently withstanding some very cold weather. I am pleased to read all the helpful information and find it all so easily understood. I face spring with much more confidence knowing you are here."..." more
Sylvia R.B.
Apr 4, 2016
"The point about cutting above a 5-leaf set that is pointing in the correct direction is new to me, as well as the bud's eye. Granted, I am new to growing, but most articles only address the 5-leaf set, not the direction of the set. So, thanks!"..." more
J. Hayes
Jun 6, 2017
"I knew nothing about deadheading, so this article was invaluable to me in that aspect. In addition, the information herein educated me as to why my knockout roses may have stopped blooming. I will be trying these suggestions!"..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Professional Gardener This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 412,016 times. 14 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: June 11, 2025 Views: 412,016 Categories: Roses Article SummaryX
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1 Gather the tools you’ll need to deadhead. You will need a sharp, clean pair of shears, gardening gloves, and a large bucket to haul away your clippings.[1] 
2 Learn to identify a spent rose and other problematic areas that need deadheading. Deadheading is done not only to promote more blooms, but it is also done to keep your rose bush healthy and free of fungal diseases and insects. Examine your rose bush and look for things such as:[2] 
1 Identify a 5-leaf set that is facing the correct direction. Observe your rose shoots and you’ll probably see sets of 3 or 5 leaves. The correct way to deadhead a rose is to cut just above a leaf set that has 5 or more leaves. The 5-leaf set (sometimes called a true leaf) should be facing the direction you want your shoot to grow. For example, if you want your rose shoot to grow outward, cut at a 5-leaf set that is pointing outwards as well. 
2 Notice the bud eye. At the joining point of the leaf set and the shoot, you may see a dark dot just above it. This is called the bud eye and will be the point from which a new stem will grow into a rose. You should make your cut just above the bud eye. 
3 Make your cut at a 45-degree angle. You never want to make your cut straight. The 45-degree cut will help water from your sprinklers or rain to run off of the shoot and avoid bacteria or fungi from growing on the shoot.[6] 
Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.