Use sharp, clean pruning shears
Wear gloves
Prune in late winter or early spring
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased canes
Cut crossing or rubbing canes
Remove weak, thin growth
Cut stems at a 45-degree angle
Make cuts about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud
Remove spent blooms during the growing season
Reduce the plant to the desired height and shape
Keep the center open for airflow
Remove suckers from below the graft union
Clean up all trimmed debris
Disinfect tools after use