Roses spindly and tall? Here's how to fix them

Last Updated on: 9th February 2025, 08:24 am

Here’s how to fix spindly, weak stems on your rose bushes.

Have you ever wondered: Why are my roses spindly instead of full? Instead of the healthy, dense blooms you envisioned in your garden, you’re looking at rose bushes with leggy stems and weak canes. They may even struggle to support their weight, making your prized roses look weak or messy.

Don’t worry!

This issue is generally fixable, and preventable in the future, with a few strategic steps. By the end of this article, you’ll understand how you can help your bushes produce full blooms again.

Understanding the “Too Tall” Rose Problem

Spindly rose stems are usually a result of insufficient sunlight, poor pruning practices, and inadequate nutrition. Roses are sun-loving plants that thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Roses grow towards the sun. Without enough light, you will get thin and fragile stems instead of the pencil-thick growth that will support the blooms.

The Fixes to Restore Healthy Rose Bushes

1. Make Sure They Get Full Sun

Ensure your roses are planted in an area where they receive ample sunlight. As explained in the last section, they are sun lovers.

If larger plants or structures shade them, consider relocating them to a sunnier spot or trimming back any foliage blocking their access to light. That often means removing limbs from surrounding trees to let the full sun shine on the roses.

2. Prune Correctly to Produce Vibrant Flowers

Proper pruning is crucial for encouraging strong, healthy bushes. Prune the bushes in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Remove any dead or diseased wood, and cut back long stems to promote bushier growth. Make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above an outward-facing bud, to encourage outward and upward growth.

Some species, especially knockout roses, benefit from heavy trimming in late winter or early spring to generate new growth.

3. Give Them Some Rose Food

Roses are heavy feeders and require a nutrient-rich diet to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for roses. Apply it according to the package instructions. Regular feeding throughout the growing season will ensure the ground around the base of the bushes will provide the essential nutrients necessary for sturdy, vigorous stems and vivid flowers.

4. Water Wisely to Keep Growing and Producing Flowers

Consistent and deep watering is essential for rose health. Water at the base of the plant to avoid applying spray on the foliage, which can lead to diseases like black spot.

Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogged roots, which can weaken the plant and lead to spindly stems and canes and fewer blooms.

5. Support the Canes When Necessary

In some cases, providing physical support for your roses can help manage spindly stems. Use stakes or trellises to support tall, leggy stems until they become strong enough to stand independently. A rose trellis is attractive if the canes of your non-climbing species need a bit of extra support.

You May Need to Remove Almost the Entire Shoot, but You Can Have Full Flowers Again

Weak, spindly stems on roses are a common issue that can be rectified with proper care and attention.

By optimizing access to sunshine, practicing proper pruning techniques, feeding your roses the nutrients they need, and providing adequate water and support, you can transform your leggy plants into the robust, blooming beauties of your dreams. A little effort and knowledge go a long way in growing a thriving rose garden.

So, roll up your sleeves, give your roses the care they deserve. Be patient – soon, you’ll be rewarded with a garden bursting with strong, vibrant blooms!

If you have any questions or need further advice, don’t hesitate to ask. Whether you need to help toprune standard roses, tea roses, or knockouts, Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services team is here to assist. Connect with us by calling or texting: 252.287.3376.

Author Profile

Deborah Tayloe

Deborah Tayloe is the CEO and co-founder of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC. She has a B.S.Ed and holds certificates in soil and water management and herbology from accredited programs.