I know you're supposed to prune early the spring. I didn't so the rose bushes are pretty much a wash this year. But is it still worthwhile to prune them anyway for general growth/health? They need it.

billmelater said: I know you're supposed to prune early the spring. I didn't so the rose bushes are pretty much a wash this year. But is it still worthwhile to prune them anyway for general growth/health? They need it.

I believe the answer to your question is yes. Welcome to the forum.

Thank you!

Don't defoliate the pruned canes, and I would only reduce the size by half or waist high depending on the height and how long it's been since it was pruned. Definitely feel free to remove all dead, diseased, and crossing through the center canes rubbing together.

What zone are you in? I'd say yes for pruning now, but how much might depend on whether you're in zone 3 or zone 9!

reh0622 said: Don't defoliate the pruned canes, and I would only reduce the size by half or waist high depending on the height and how long it's been since it was pruned. Definitely feel free to remove all dead, diseased, and crossing through the center canes rubbing together.

I agree with this post, and would like to add that I find that regenerative pruning such as described above will give a boost to the rose and cause it to have improved health for the rest of the season. Also please remember to do regular deep watering appropriate to the weather/season. It helps also to feed your roses, a water soluble fertilizer (general purpose, or specifically for roses) is a great way to get immediate nutrition to the plants and allow them to rebound after a pruning. Mulching the soil will keep the roots cool while this process is going on. Hopefully your roses will respond and reward all your efforts, Good luck!