If you prune your roses regularly:

• you will give them shape (if they are not pruned, they soon begin to lose their smart appearance)
• you will encourage flower formation (numerous large flowers)
• you will reduce the risk of disease (damaged stems, old flowers and withered buds are very vulnerable to infection)

NB :

• excessive pruning can lead to decline, especially if the rose bush has not been maintained before. Take it gradually
• Protect your hands from thorns by wearing gloves

Prune the roses a first time as soon as the buds break:

• Cut each branch off above the third 3rd bud counting from its base (above the 4th or 5th bud if the rose bush is vigorous).
• Cut off old branches (recognisable by their grey wood)
• Spread some fertiliser around the bush

More regularly:

• Cut off any weak shoots as these are more susceptible to disease
• Cut off any stems that criss-cross each other and prevent the air circulating
• Aerate the roots using a hoe or weeder hoe around the base of the bush