Pruning roses

Discussion in 'Roses' started by Stuarta99, Dec 4, 2025.

  1. Stuarta99

    Stuarta99 Gardener

    Joined:
    May 14, 2015
    Messages:
    30
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +5
    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
     
  2. Busy-Lizzie

    Busy-Lizzie Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2024
    Messages:
    2,261
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Norfolk and Dordogne, France
    Ratings:
    +8,707
    It's still early for rose pruning. You have until March so don't worry about it.
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • Stuarta99

      Stuarta99 Gardener

      Joined:
      May 14, 2015
      Messages:
      30
      Gender:
      Male
      Ratings:
      +5
      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 :cool:
       
    • Allotment Boy

      Allotment Boy Lifelong Allotmenteer

      Joined:
      Apr 25, 2024
      Messages:
      1,035
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired Medical Lab Scientist
      Location:
      The edge of suburban North London
      Ratings:
      +3,904
      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.
       
      • Like Like x 2
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • Stuarta99

        Stuarta99 Gardener

        Joined:
        May 14, 2015
        Messages:
        30
        Gender:
        Male
        Ratings:
        +5
        Ok thanks, just guess I'm conscious of the cut ends being caught by frost and killing off the plant.
         
      • infradig

        infradig Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Apr 28, 2022
        Messages:
        1,642
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Freelance self preservationist
        Location:
        Solent
        Ratings:
        +1,971
        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.
         
      • waterbut

        waterbut Gardener

        Joined:
        Mar 15, 2024
        Messages:
        540
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Portsmouth
        Ratings:
        +749
        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.
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • Logan

          Logan Total Gardener

          Joined:
          May 27, 2017
          Messages:
          17,393
          Gender:
          Female
          Occupation:
          housewife
          Location:
          redditch Worcester
          Ratings:
          +57,757
          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.
           
        • Stuarta99

          Stuarta99 Gardener

          Joined:
          May 14, 2015
          Messages:
          30
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +5
          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
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice