The ideal time for pruning rose bushes is in the winter. Pruning can be done at other times of the year but winter pruning produces the best results. Winter pruning of rose bushes is intimidating to many, but the process is much easier than most people think.

Benefits

The main reason gardeners choose to prune in the winter is to avoid damaging the rose bush while sap is flowing. During the freezing temperatures and low-light days of winter, the sap in rose bushes ceases to flow. This makes it an ideal time to perform pruning maintenance on a rose bush. When leaves are present on a rose bush and the leaves are cut away the rose bush can die from lack of energy received from the sun. During the winter a rose bush is naturally dormant, which means that new leaf buds have not started to grow. Pruning a rose in the winter gives the plant enough time to recover and produce enough leaf buds to remain healthy once the spring returns and its sap runs again.

Process

Most pruning should be done in late winter, although early winter pruning can also be done if necessary. Pruning should occur about four to six weeks before the last frost of the season. If you do not know when the last frost is supposed to be, an estimate of the time will work just as well. Leaf buds may be starting to emerge, but that is fine. The first step is to trim all dead, dying or diseased wood from the bush. Eliminate these branches as close to the main trunk as possible. Next prune away any branches that appear smaller or weaker than the others. Any branches that cut across each other or that are rubbing other branches should also be cut out. If branches are crowded in the center of the bush, thin out a few of the branches from that area. The remaining branches should be trimmed down to 1/4 inch above a protruding bud.

Expert Tips

The main goal of pruning, other than to strengthen the bush, is to cut about a third of the growth away from the bush each year. You can also trim bushes to match a particular size. If you have climber rose bushes, do not prune them at all for the first two to three years. This helps them become established in their growing patterns. The angle of pruning cut is also important. Aim for a 45-degree angle on all of your pruning cuts.

Source:

PlantWorldNursery.com

Gardenmob.com

Rose Magazine