Standard roses are usually formed from hybrid tea (large flowered) or floribunda (small-clustered) bush cultivars grafted onto a straight stem and should be pruned using the same technique appropriate for their cultivar.

Pruning Method

In general, the main shoots should be cut back to about 20-25 cm (8-10 in) and the sideshoots reduced by approximately one-third.

Standard roses should have a very evenly balanced head with an abundance of flowers; careful pruning is necessary to maintain this shape and to ensure that the plant does not become too top-heavy. If the head becomes unbalanced, prune the thinner side harder so that it produces more vigorous growth to fill in any sparse portions. Make sure the thicker side is only trimmed lightly.