when do you cut back roses?

Question

when to cut back rosesin northern tx.?

Answer 1

These are the instructions for your area from Texas A&M University System Extension :
"Pruning methods vary according to the type of rose plant. In South and Central Texas, roses usually are cut back more severely than in North Texas. This is due to the longer growing season, resulting in larger bushes. To keep them in bounds, spring pruning usually is more drastic.

Prune about 3 to 4 weeks before the average date of the last killing frost in your area. Roses have a very low chilling requirement to break dormancy. A few weeks of cold weather in December fulfills this requirement and new growth begins the first warm spell in January or February. If pruning is done too early, the new growth begins at the base of the plant. A sudden cold spell in late February or early March can severely damage or kill the plant. If pruning is delayed, the new growth will still be in the top of the unpruned canes and only upper portions of the bush will be damaged in a late freeze. An exception to this rule involves climbing roses which need to be pruned after flowering in early spring."
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/pruning/pruning.html

Old fashion or antique roses require much less pruning than modern roses. Left unpruned old fashion roses will naturally obtain a rounded shrub shape. Pruning of these roses should be confined to some shaping of the plant, removal of damaged branches, and judicious trimming back to encourage growth.
http://www.yardcare.com/trends/trends_pruning_roses.html

Good luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

I live in Alaska & I cut mine back whenever I decide they need it. It takes A LOT to hurt a rose as far as cutting them back. Usually in the fall is when I cut all of the growth off. I usually leave them 10 to 12" from the ground. Haven't lost one yet, but like I said I am in Alaska & not N. Texas

Answer 3

ALWAYS dead head them as they grow, that is cutting off the old dead flowers. This gives more enrgy to the living flowers and makes them look better. But the actual cutting back should be done in the fall. Give them a good layer of new mulch and winter fertilizer at the same time.

Answer 4

I'm in Utah and I always wait until spring to cut them back. I have also seen many people who cut theirs in the fall and they have lovely roses too.

Answer 5

Not until spring, they need the sugar that is stored in the canes for winter.