French rose: when and how to prune

Rosa gallica

French rose is best pruned in March and July.

Updated on 11 October 2026

Key facts
Pruning months	March and July
Nesting season (15 March–15 August)	Take care in March and July
Flowering	June
Good for bees, butterflies and birds	Yes, for bees
Native to Belgium	No, planted

French rose: when to prune it?

Lightly after flowering, in July, and thin out old stems in March. It flowers on last year’s wood and older.

What else to prune in those months? March · July

After flowering, cut flowered side shoots back to 2–3 leaves to keep the shrub in shape.
In March, remove one or two of the oldest, grey stems at the base.
Remove dead, diseased and weak stems.
Do not prune hard in spring: you would lose much of the flowering.

There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

Pruning in March and July can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
French rose flowers in June, when it attracts bees.
Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Caution: Wear sturdy gloves: the stems are covered in fine prickles.

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.