When to Trim Knock Out Rose Bushes

Significance

• Pruning during the growing season does more harm than good. The plant may go into shock and stop growing for the remainder of the season and possibly won't retain enough nutrients and stability to survive the winter. Minor trimming and removal of any dead or damaged stalks or blooms will not hurt the rose bush. Trimming roses during the growing season is more for the beauty of the plant. Although it is not necessary, you may want to trim off blooms that have wilted. This can encourage more plentiful blooms and keep the garden clean and neat. Straggly shoots may be trimmed to maintain a preferred appearance but, don't overdo it by trying any major shaping at this time.

Consideration

• A more thorough pruning job needs to be done during late winter or early spring before the plant has begun to produce new growth. Use hand pruners and wear protective gardening gloves. If the plant is strong and healthy, cut out four or five of the original stalks to encourage the plant to thicken. Trimming back about a third of the outer growth will also promote a bushier shrub. This is the time to do any extensive pruning to enhance the shape.