When to Cut Back Roses in Texas

Cut back most rose varieties in Texas between mid-February and early March.

Roses are the most popular garden flower in America, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, with more than 6,000 varieties grown. Roses are versatile and come in a range of colors and forms, such as miniatures, climbers and shrubs.

Pruning Basics

Roses are cut back, or pruned, regularly to reduce the risk of pests and disease and to encourage new plant growth. Remove any diseased or damaged canes, along with last year's leaves, which are ideal hiding spots for overwintering insects and disease spores. Cutting back roses increases air circulation in the center of the plant, which helps prevent black spot and powdery mildew.

Mark the Calendar

Tradition calls for Texas rosarians to cut back their roses on February 14 -- Valentine's Day. However, roses can be pruned through early March. Rose growers in north Texas may need to trim roses a second time should a late frost occur. In central and south Texas, plants need more severe pruning because of the longer growing season.

Varietal Exception

Climbing roses bud on last year's canes. Therefore, do not cut back these varieties in late winter. Rather, prune climbers immediately after they finish blooming for the season.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Growing Roses
• East Texas Gardening: Pruning Roses
• Aggie Horticulture: Follow Proper Pruning Techniques
• Dallas News: Got Roses? It's Time to Prune
• Houston Rose Society: When Do We Prune Roses in Houston?
• Dallas News: Prune Your Rosebushes in Mid-February