Pruning roses

So normally I would have cut all my roses back by now at the same time as my neighbour although I know most say do it in Jan/Feb.

Unfortunately due to some family issues I haven't had chance yet and I've been hanging on due to the risk of frost but I see this week it's forecast to warm up.

Should I try or leave it until next year, they look weak and straggly at the moment with dead flowers. Although the climbing roses don't look too bad.

Many thanks

 

It's still early for rose pruning. You have until March so don't worry about it.

 

Ok I'll be patient and just wait until next year then, I guess waiting for the frost to past.

Hopefully my neighbour won't shame me too much

 

Yes the standard advice is to reduce by around 1/3 in late Autumn to reduce the risk of windrock, then fully prune in late winter any time up to March. Not withstanding that, I wouldn't worry about it just prune when you have time and the weather is favourable. I heard a comment from the experts in Regent's park some years ago. They prune from November right through to March. They have so many to do they do it just once as and when they can get to them.

 

Ok thanks, just guess I'm conscious of the cut ends being caught by frost and killing off the plant.

 

As above, cut to reduce length to prevent wind damage to roots. cut to desired bud, which will have developed slightly by Feb, after severe frosts likely to have passed, thereby removing any interim frost damaged ends. Fill any wind rocked holes and refirm at stage one.

 

Some Winter pruning is usually done to prevent wind, snow etc damage. As previously said. I usually leave proper pruning until I see buds forming in the Spring so I prune just above the outward facing buds and remove unwanted shoots to shape the Roses. Roses are tough brutes so do not worry about your winter pruning.

 

We reduce the height by half for our hybrid tea roses because they get very tall around this time of year because it gets very windy at times. We're getting less frost these last few years so don't worry but they're hardy plants.

 

Normally I would cut them right down to the base pretty much bar a few inches but unfortunately family matters has meant I still haven't had the chance and some are still in flower so think it's best I leave until February this time