It seems like the right time to prune roses when temperatures cool in the fall, but be careful not to prune too much. For most roses, fall is the time for lighter pruning that focuses on reducing height and removing dead or damaged wood. Save for more serious, heavier pruning to shape and stimulate new growth for late winter or spring. Tall canes can be damaged by winter winds, so fall pruning can protect them from snow and ice damage. It also helps prepare your rose bush for spring. Grab your pruning shears and prepare your roses for winter with these tips.
When to prune roses in fall
The timing of fall pruning may vary depending on your location, but wait until after the first hard frost in your area. You want the plant to be dormant so you don't accidentally encourage new growth just before winter. Gardeners in colder USDA plant hardiness zones should leave heavy pruning for spring, while gardeners in milder climates can prune a little more to shape them if necessary. Also avoid excessive pruning during this period, otherwise you will cause stress that will be too difficult for the plant to overcome in winter and will reduce the amount of flowers in spring.
How much to cut
Don't cut too much. You should prune more heavily in the spring. Winter winds can cause the shrub to wobble and loosen at the roots. Reducing the plant height prevents this. Before you start pruning, you should also know what type of rose you need to determine what cuts need to be made before winter. All roses except climbing roses should be cut back to about 30 inches (76 cm.) to protect them from this winter damage.
- Cut back hybrid tea roses by 15 to 18 inches in spring before buds swell, and remove any dead or diseased canes in fall. Pruning long canes in the fall can help protect them from winter damage.
- Climbing roses should only be pruned in the fall to remove dead or diseased canes. However, you should wait until late winter or spring to make larger cuts.
- Floribunda roses require heavy pruning in spring to encourage large blooms. Therefore, only carry out maintenance pruning in the fall to remove dead or diseased canes and reduce the height.
- Landscape or knockout roses can be cut back to about 30 inches tall in the fall to protect them from winter winds.
How to prune roses in fall
You'll need clean, sharp pruning shears and pruning shears, as well as a disinfectant spray to keep the tools clean between cuts. Be sure to cut the plant at an angle just above an outward-facing bud.
- For all roses except climbing roses, cut off the top third of the plant.
- Cut off dead and diseased branches and trim them back to green tissue. Disinfect tools between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
- Remove any canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as well as any suckers that have formed.
Other winter preparations
In addition to pruning, you should also take a few steps to prepare the roses for the cold winter ahead.
- Be sure to water the roses thoroughly before the ground freezes to ensure the roots have moist soil.
- Cover the base of the roses with a thick layer of mulch to insulate the roots.
- Over-pruning in the fall can reduce the amount of flowers in the spring. Therefore, be sure to only cut problematic canes.
- Never pruning roses not only results in overgrown bushes, but also makes them susceptible to disease and pests and reduces the size and quantity of flowers. Be sure to prune roses at least once a year.
- After pruning, be sure to remove any fallen stem and leaf cuttings to prevent diseases or pests from overwintering and reappearing in the next growing season.