Floribundas (officially known as 'cluster-flowered bush roses') grow much more vigorously than hybrid tea roses, and so benefit from a less severe annual pruning.

Pruning Method

Older, less vigorous stems should be pruned harder to encourage new basal shoots, while last year's healthy new shoots should be cut back moderately. This variable pruning will encourage a good coverage of flowers over the whole plant.

1. Remove dead, damaged or diseased stems by making an angled cut just above the bud.
2. Cut back any weak or spindly growth to the base of the plant.
3. Remove any congested or crossing shoots from the centre of the bush.
4. If there are any stumps from the previous year's pruning that have not produced any healthy new growth, remove them at the base.
5. Cut back sideshoots by a third on small cultivars and by up to two-thirds on larger ones.
6. Cut back the remaining study stems to outward facing buds to no less than 30-40 cm (12-16 in) from ground level. If the bush is taller than 60 cm (23 in), cut back the stems to no less than two-thirds of their length. If floribundas are pruned harder than this, then they will produce fewer blooms the following season.
7. After spring pruning, scatter some slow-release fertiliser around the base of the rose. Lightly scratch this into the surface of the soil using a hoe or rake.