When should i cut my rose bushes back?
In the UK received wisdom is that pruning is generally done in Spring.It’s good practice,however,to shorten back excessively long growth during Autumn,preferably in Oct; while the soil is still warm. Wait for a few weeks-then cut back the shoots reducing their number by half.Don’t prune into old wood now,remove any obviously dead or diseased material. Next spring,cut back the old roses severely and feed with a balanced rose fertiliser.Dress the soil with well rotted manure or compost when the ground is damp.Gather up any foliage affected by black spot or other fungal disease,to avoid reinfection. When growth restarts with warmer weather your old bushes may well be rejuvenated.
