Pruning rose bushes involves first having a good look at the plant to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Remember that you are looking to keep good canes, well spaced and growing outwards. You need to keep the height at about 18 – 24 ” so that when the bush grows the flowers will be at a good height.

The expert here in San Jose advises not to prune your roses too harshly, unless you are on the east coast. If you do you are removing the rose’s reserves.
Prune lightly and prune higher. Look for a horizontal line with a node – make a cut above a budeye at 45degrees. Pick a budeye facing outwards, and cut at a downward angle. Don’t be too harsh – you can always come back later to do more if necessary.

You can take a simple approach to pruning – you’re only pruning a plant, and so rely on your own instincts and look at how it grows and how you are going to use it in your garden. Make sure you respond to the type of rose and have the correct tools and most important – make sure you have good gloves.