Rose Guide
When to Prune Roses
Prune most repeat-blooming roses in late winter to early spring, as the buds swell but before growth surges. Prune once-blooming and rambling roses right after they finish flowering.
Timing depends on when a rose blooms. Repeat bloomers — hybrid teas, floribundas, shrub roses, most climbers — flower on new growth, so they are pruned in late winter or early spring. A useful signal is when the forsythia blooms in your area.
Once-blooming roses — many old garden roses and ramblers — flower on wood formed the previous year. Prune them just after their single flush finishes, or you will cut off the coming season's flowers.
Light deadheading and the removal of dead or damaged wood can be done any time of year.