when is the best time to prune my rose bush? I am in zone 7b/8a?

Answer 1

The rule is in zone 7, jan and Feb but i hack the heck out of mine all year long !

Answer 2

Why? What are you trying to achieve? We use different techniques and times depending on what we want. If this is just to reduce size before winter, that's cool.

First, you should be in or near a big flush of bloom and another closer to Thanksgiving.....assuming cold weather doesn't come early. As you remove old blossoms, just take a longer stem than normal. Instead of cutting back to the first 5 leaf cluster, go down the stem a bit. This will reduce the plant's overall size. Then by T-giving you'll be better able to judge what else should come off to prevent winter injury.

If your rose is a one time bloomer, pruning now may remove next year's flowers if you don't know what you are doing. Normally with one timers we prune hard right after the flower flush so the plant can make new buds before winter and be able to flower the following spring.

Typical modern rose pruning is done in February to March for your area. Too early and you might stimulate flower bud formation that could be killed by a late frost. The trick is to prune so the last frost comes right after pruning so the plant will be able to burst into bloom in April/May.

Answer 3

I'm in North Texas, same zone, and I was told "President's Day" (which is mid-February) for the severe pruning before the next growing season. But I trim and deadhead throughout the summer as it grows.

Answer 4

Always lop off the dead roses. Never leave the dead branches or leaves sitting on the plant. Are you trying to promote growth? If you are having problems with growth make sure your rosebush is in a semi-dry area and gets AT LEAST 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.