How to Tackle Thorns in Your Garden

Running into thorns in your garden? The experts at HGTV.com share tips on how to prune thorny plants and practice safe gardening.

Related To:

Red Berries of Buckthorn Canada

Red Berries of Buckthorn Canada

"I've got a little gardening secret to share with you," says master gardener Paul James. "I don't like growing a lot of plants with thorns. I'll be the first to admit that it's silly, especially since there are so many beautiful thorny plants. It's just that I've never liked reaching into a plant to cut or prune it only to be poked by some painful protuberance."

Despite that, Paul has a few roses and barberries - plus, some junipers, cedars and spruces, which may be thornless but their stiff needles certainly feel like thorns. "I don't mean to give plants with thorns a bad rap," he says. "After all, some of the most beautiful plants in the world have them. It's just that you won't find too many of them growing at my place."

So what can you do to make growing plants with thorns a painless process? Here are a few items that can help:

  • Leather gloves, which feature a longer-than-usual gauntlet, make reaching into roses and other prickly plants a lot less painful.  
  • Better yet, a long-reach pruner enables you to prune plants with prickly appendages a good deal easier. This clever tool also features a swivel-cutting head, which not only cuts but also grabs and holds on to stems.
  • And finally a thorn stripper comes in handy after you've cut a dozen roses for a loved one. "You know, heck hath no fury like a woman scorned by thorns, which is why it's best to strip the thorns before handing out the roses," Paul says. "And this clever little gizmo does the job quicker than you can say 'I'm sorry, I'll get a bandage.' "

Next Up

How to Prune a Tree

Pruning trees doesn't have to be a daunting process. Learn how to safely, quickly and easily prune the trees in your yard.

Pruning a Hedge

No matter what type of hedge you may have in your landscape, follow these steps to keep it healthy and shaped beautifully.

How to Prune Roses

Pruning your roses will help increase blooming and decrease disease and pest problems. Follow these steps to learn how to make the right cuts.

How to Prune and Deadhead Your Geraniums

Get the most out of your plant with these two simple maintenance practices.

What to Prune in Late Fall

To prune or not to prune? Get answers to your late-year pruning questions.

Late Winter and Early Spring Pruning Guide

Get ready for late winter and early spring pruning chores.

When to Prune Hydrangeas: Expert Tips

To know when to cut back hydrangeas, you'll need to know the varieties of hydrangeas in your garden.

Lantana Care: Growing and Pruning Lantana

Add easy-care beauty to your yard by growing lantana—you won’t be disappointed.

How to Propagate Plants

Propagating plants is easy. Plus, learning how to propagate plants can save you money you'd otherwise spend on buying new plants.

How to Grow Rice

Learn how to cultivate a worldwide staple and ornamental plant with these easy-to-follow instructions.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.