How to Trim Rose Plants for the Winter

Trim rose plants lightly in autumn to prepare them for freezing temperatures. Leave some blossoms on your rose plant. As your rose plants go into dormancy, the cells and tissues build up natural defenses against cold weather shock. Trimming can trigger new growth and should be kept to a minimum. However, some removal of dead wood, canes and suckers is beneficial to your rose plant in preparation for winter weather.

Sharp pruning shears
Rubbing alcohol
Gloves
White glue

Instructions

- 1
  Sterilize your sharp pruning shears with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading disease. Put on thick gardening gloves to protect your skin from thorns when trimming rose plants for the winter.
- 2
  
  Rose hips trigger dormancy.
  
  Remove damaged or diseased wood. Cut at a 45-degree angle just above a healthy outward facing bud, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
- 3
  
  Remove dead canes.
  
  Use pruning shears to remove any dead canes. Dead canes are shriveled and dark in color. Cut weak or dead canes flush with the base of the plant, or cut them 1 inch below the discoloration.
- 4
  Remove any suckers at the base of your rose plant; suckers are thin, pale shoots growing directly up from the roots. If necessary, gently dig into the soil to get to the base suckers. Clip flush your rose plant's roots, re-cover roots and push soil firmly back down.
- 5
  Protect rose plants from pests such as cane borers; use white glue to seal cut wood tips.

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