When the rose blooms start to die, should you take them off? My Gingersnap blooms are really welting. moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
Jeanie, unless you want rose hips, yes remove the spent bloom. Cut the "stem" that the flower blooms from all the way back to the stem that has 5 leaves (not right where the 3 leaves are at) and thorns on it. If you leave the spent bloom and it starts to make seeds in the rose hip it will not (most likely) produce any more flowers for you while it is making seeds. there is not enough energy to do both.
Thank you so much! This is the first time I've ever had a rose bush. It is now done. Hopefully it will spread out and get more blooms.
Yes, removing the finished blooms is called "deadheading" and it really helps most roses. Some of the own-root, antique roses will go ahead and bloom their heads off without dead-heading, but cutting off the old blossoms as Carolyn said will help keep the strength going into blooming, and also make the bush look tidier. Besides, it gives you an excuse to commune with your rose!
I might add that I totally remove them, don't throw them on the ground. This helps prevent the spread of disease and keep those thorns out of your flower bed.
