Best Time For
Pruning Roses

When To Prune Roses
In Different Climates Zones

The best time for pruning roses, the correct time of the year to prune roses in different areas of the USA, that's what this page is all about.

People are always asking me when should I prune my roses, when is the best time to prune roses, and when to prune roses in different climate zones and regions.

The best time to prune is after spring's last frost, or when the forsythia bushes bloom in your neighborhood.

If you live in a cold winter climate zone it's important to know the last frost date for your area.

Whenever you prune a rose, it will encourage new growth to emerge and if you still have frosty nights, that new growth will suffer from die back, which is not good.

Save Money And Buy Rose Bushes
From Direct Gardening

pruning roses

Rose Pruning Drawing Courtesy of
Vancouver's Rose Society

So When Should You
Prune Your Roses?

Here are some guidelines: In general you'll be

pruning roses when the rose bush emerges out of dormacy after the final spring frost.

This will be early in the year in warm climates and closer to March and April in cold climates.

Old Roses, that only bloom once, should only be pruned after they bloom. They bear flowers on last years wood.

Here are some places aoround the country and suggested pruning times for each.

When To Prune Roses In Different Regions
And Climate Zones

PRUNING ROSES IN THE ATLANTA AREA: early March

PRUNING ROSES IN THE BOSTON AREA: late April

PRUNING ROSES IN THE CHICAGO AREA: early April

PRUNING ROSES IN THE DALLAS AREA: late March

PRUNING ROSES IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA: early January

PRUNING ROSES IN THE ST LOUIS AREA: late March

PRUNING ROSES IN THE SEATTLE AREA: early April

PRUNING ROSES IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA: early March

PRUNING ROSES IN SOUTHERN WARM CLIMATES: end of August, or early September

So to sum it up, the best time for pruning roses is when the rose

plants buds are just beginning to swell, and the plants are reving up for the new season.

This is the time when rose bushes have the energy and strength to survive your pruning cuts, and will produce fresh new growth, and the soil and weather conditions are warmer.

You can also contact your local Rose Society for the best rose pruning time in your climate zone.