Stop and Smell the Roses

Published on July 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM

I have these beautiful roses on the side of my house. They love the hot sun they get in the afternoon and produce beautiful, bright blooms —but did you know you can keep those blooms coming all season long with a simple trick? It’s called deadheading, and it encourages your roses to keep producing flowers instead of turning spent blooms into seed pods (called hips).

Whether you’re new to roses or a seasoned gardener, here’s a quick, step-by-step guide to deadheading your roses so they keep putting on a show through summer and into fall.

What is Deadheading?

Deadheading is the process of removing faded or spent blooms from your rose bushes. This not only keeps your plant looking tidy, but it also signals the plant to focus on new blooms instead of making seeds. More blooms = more beauty.

What You'll Need:

  • Clean, sharp pruning shears or garden scissors

  • Gardening gloves (because, thorns)

  • A bucket or compost bin for collecting clippings

Step-by-Step: How to Deadhead Roses

Step 1: Identify Spent Blooms

Look for rose blooms that are wilting, browned, or losing petals. These are ready to be removed.

 

Step 2: Find the First Set of 5-Leaflet Leaves

Follow the stem downward from the spent bloom. You’ll see leaves arranged in sets—look for the first full set of five leaflets. This is where you’ll want to cut, just above that set.

🌿 Why? Cutting here encourages strong new growth and better flower production.

 

Step 3: Make a Clean, Angled Cut

Using clean pruning shears, snip the stem at a 45-degree angle below the 5-leaflet set. The angle helps water drain off the cut and prevents disease.

Step 4: Remove Any Yellow or Damaged Leaves

While you’re there, take a moment to remove any yellowing leaves or stems that look weak or diseased. Your rose will thank you with stronger, healthier growth.

 

 

Step 5: Repeat Weekly

Check your rose bushes once or twice a week throughout the summer. Roses bloom in cycles, so the more you deadhead, the more you’ll encourage repeat blooms. I do this whenever I weed since I have my supplies out anyway.

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