Shrub roses, particularly Rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa), require little pruning, especially if you want to maintain a natural form. Begin pruning when the buds begin to swell in the spring. Remove all dead, diseased, or broken canes. Remove crossing branches to eliminate rubbing and to improve air movement and sunlight penetration into the center of the plant. Finally, remove old canes that produce few, if any, flowers at the crown. This will encourage the development of vigorous shoots from the base.

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