Rose Pruning 101: When we prune

When we prune roses depends upon the type of rose. The exception is that dead and/or diseased wood can be pruned out at any time. Repeat blooming roses are typically pruned late winter to early spring. It is preferable to wait until there is a smaller threat of a hard frost. Along the Wasatch Front, this is usually sometime in March. Look for buds that are turning red and starting to elongate. It’s best to finish up your pruning before the rose bush starts producing significant new growth. Any new growth pruned off at this point could reduce the vigor of the rose because you’re basically removing stored energy needed for new growth.
 
Once-blooming roses should be pruned just after the bloom has finished, usually mid-summer, so the plant has the rest of the summer to produce new growth and new flower buds for next year. These roses bloom from buds that formed on the previous year’s growth. If you prune while the roses are dormant you will be removing flowers for the coming season. Once-blooming roses are usually either old garden roses or wild roses, and may require only light pruning, if any at all. It’s a good idea to get acquainted with your old roses for a couple of years before attempting to prune them, to avoid ruining their natural, pleasant form with improper pruning.

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