Category: <span>Roses</span>

Wondering when to prune roses? You're not alone! Roses are generally pruned in winter or early spring at the end of winter dormancy. In cooler climates where roses go dormant in the winter, rose pruning is generally in March or April about 6-8 weeks before the average last spring frost date. In climates with mild winters where roses do not go dormant, pruning is generally done in late December or in January. In true southern climates with very hot summers, roses are pruned while roses are semi-dormant in July or early August. Read on to learn more about when to prune your roses! Introduction To When To Prune Roses Roses in the garden are generally given one significant pruning each year. Roses are cut back in early spring in most climates. Pruning usually happens about 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost, or around the time that forsythia shrubs bloom. Taller roses may also be topped to 4-5 feet in the fall in areas with snowy or windy winters to prevent winter damage. Roses are most commonly pruned while they are dormant in the wintertime or early spring, although they can also be pruned in the summer in very hot climates. Annual rose pruning generally starts once the plant has been in the ground for at least one year and often for two growing seasons. In addition to this main annual pruning, roses can be lightly pruned or deadheaded throughout the summer to encourage the plant to continue flowering. General plant grooming and shaping can be done any time of year. This year-round rose care includes removing dead, damaged, and diseased wood. Pruning Time In Climates With Cold Winters Roses growing in climates with cold winters are pruned in the winter or early spring. In climates with a true four seasons, roses lose their leaves in autumn and become dormant for winter. The main annual pruning is done while the plant is dormant so that it will grow with renewed vigor in the spring. Roses are usually pruned in March or April about 6-8 weeks before the average local spring frost date. This applies to roses of all classes and forms, including hybrid, tea, garden, and knock-out roses. The ideal pruning window for rose bushes lasts for about 4-6 weeks during late winter/early spring in most years. This is usually around the time that the first spring bulbs (crocus, daffodil) and forsythia are blooming but before most deciduous trees have started to leaf out. Pruning at the start of this time window may encourage the plant to bloom a few days earlier, but will also put the plant slightly more at risk in the event of a late spring frost. Pruning later in early spring is less risky, so be patient and try not to rush the season. Large rose shrubs in climates with snowy winters are sometimes pruned in late fall to minimize the risk of winter damage from heavy snow loads. In these areas, it is important to wait until the rose plants are fully dormant before pruning. Avoid pruning in early fall, as this may cause the plant to put on fresh growth. Allow rose hips to form in the autumn, for leaves to fall, and for the plant to store its energy in its roots for wintertime. Pruning Time In Climates With Mild Winters Roses might never go dormant when growing in climates with mild winters where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Growth will likely slow but the leaves can remain on the plant. In these mild-winter areas, rose pruning is usually done in late December or in January before temperatures start to warm in the spring. Pruning Time In Climates With No Winter & Very Hot Summers Roses in hot climates are typically pruned in midsummer. Roses growing in southern climates without cold winters and with very hot summers tend to go semi-dormant in the extreme heat. These rose plants often put on most of their blooms in December-February while roses in cooler regions are dormant. Take advantage of their slow growth during July and early August and give the rose its annual pruning. Resources How To Care For RosesBest Rose Fertilizers MORE ROSE ARTICLES