- Trimming roses helps them remain healthy and promotes vigorous growth. Removing diseased canes from the plant improves air circulation. Good aeration is essential to plant health because roses are susceptible to fungus and mildew problems. Additionally, pruning stimulates overall plant growth, which is why it is important not to trim roses too early; late frosts can result in cold damage.
- Depending on your local climate, the best times to trim roses can range from late winter through mid-May. You should not prune roses until your last winter frost date has safely passed. Some gardeners view the blooming of local forsythias as an indication to trim back their roses. Others watch for the rose bush's buds to swell.
- Consider specific varietal requirements when pruning. For example, heirloom roses produce blooms on wood from the previous year; therefore, they are not trimmed back until after they flower. Similarly, new climbing roses should not be trimmed for two or three years except to remove dead branches.
next post