But when is it too late to prune roses in the fall?
If winter is just around the corner, it’s best to leave your pruners in thegarden shed.
While we only see the leaves drop externally, all kinds of other processes are happening under the bark.
Credit:Olga Seifutdinova / Getty Images
Should You Prune Roses in Fall?
Pruning removes growth tipsthe ends of rose canes where new growth is initiated.
This quick response is a survival tactic, should a stem suffer damage from animals or other causes.
The new nutrient traffic pattern disrupts winter hardiness preparations.
Plant scientists believe that it can takesweeks for plants to regain hardiness after fall pruning.
Often extreme winter weather sets in before fall pruned roses are fully winter hardy.
The rose will likely suffer stem dieback to near ground level or the whole plant might not survive.
Bottom line: dont prune roses after September 1.
Use this seasonal calendar as a general guide to pruning practices for all types of roses.
Spring
Whenforsythia shrubsbegin blooming and buds on rose canes swell, its time to prune.
Spring is the primary pruning season for roses.
Cut out dead, diseased, and damaged stems.
Remove stems that are rubbing together or growing toward the center of the plant.
Remove weak and wispy stems.
Reduce the length of shrub rose canes by half their length or more.Prune all rosesto a pleasing shape.
Summer
Prune away dead, diseased, and damaged canes whenever they are noticed.
Stop pruning anddeadheading your rosesin the beginning of September to allow the rose time to prepare for winter.
Fall
Do not prune in fall.
Instead, watch forrose hips to form.
These fruiting structures are colorful and a welcome treat for wildlife.
Leave hips in place for wildlife to enjoy during winter.
Winter
Do not prune roses in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a pair of sharp bypass pruners when cutting back small rose canes.
These scissor-like tools cleanly cut the wood.
Uselong handled lopping shears to cut back canesthat are 1 inch or larger in diameter.
Most shrub and landscaperoses are winter hardyand dont require protection.
Let the leaves fall naturally.
Rake up and dispose of the leaves (don’t compost them).
