Prune in late winter or early spring after the last hard frost
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased canes first
Cut out crossing or rubbing canes
Remove weak, spindly growth
Reduce the plant by about one-third to one-half
Make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers
Thin the center of the shrub to improve air circulation
Remove any suckers growing from below the graft or base
Deadhead spent blooms during the growing season
Shape the plant lightly after the main pruning
Disinfect tools before and after pruning
Wear gloves and long sleeves while pruning