Garden Q&A: What is the best time of year to prune roses?
February, Peter Picture File November Be Can And Dowdall Roses Between Pruned Writes
When should I prune my roses?
The short answer is any time between November and February. There are many blooms still out on roses at the moment, so why not enjoy them while they are there and leave the pruning until after they have finished?
I normally leave mine until late February. Don’t leave it later than that, for you will most likely remove some of next year's new growth if you do.
When pruning them, remember that you want to prune to a node — that’s where a leaf or stem meets another stem. These nodes will be visible as dormant leaf buds during the winter.
Prune to an outward-facing node, as you are trying to achieve a good open-centred bush.
You want to avoid inward-growing shoots as too much growth and congestion in the centre of the plant will lead to poor air circulation and crossing branches, both of which will create an environment suited to the development of fungal problems such as black spot, mildew and rust.
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