What Month Do You Cut Rose Bushes Back in Maine?
Despite Maine's harsh, cold winters, the state's rosarians successfully cultivate many rose bush varieties, including alba, moss and explorer roses. Not only are these roses winter hardy, but they are also early bloomers -- perfect for Maine's shorter growing season. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pruning Basics
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The American Rose Society defines pruning as "to lop or cut off the superfluous parts, branches, or shoots (of a plant) for better shaped or more fruitful growth; to shape or smooth by trimming; to cut off or cut out (dead branches from a rose bush)." In addition, rose growers cut back rose bushes to open the center of the plant to improve air circulation and prevent powdery mildew.
Regional Considerations
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Because cutting back roses encourages new growth, it makes sense to prune in spring. Rose growers must consider their region's climate, however, to determine the correct month for trimming plants. You don't want to prune roses when danger of a hard frost exists. Therefore, Maine gardeners in Lewiston and Augusta can safely cut back roses in May, whereas those in Rumford and Presque Isle, which have later last-frost dates, may have to wait until early June.
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Tip
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To prevent rose borer infestation after pruning, add a drop of white glue to the tip of each cut stem.
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References
- University of Vermont Extension: Hardy Shrub Roses for Northern New England
- American Rose Society: Basic Pruning Guidelines
- National Gardening Association: Pruning Roses
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Plant Hardiness Zone Map of Maine
- Victory Seeds: Average First and Last Frost Dates for Maine
- University of Kentucky: Roses
- Photo Credit David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
