Q.Rose Bush Needs to Be Cut Back
I have a rose bush that needs to be cut back, but I do not know how to do it. It is a coral color rose. It’s grown up very tall but all the stems look brown. I live in North Carolina. How far should I cut it back and when?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I would wait for spring before pruning as this will ensure that it does not suffer from any damage to unexpected frost/freezes that may occur. This article should help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/pruning-roses.htm
SInce you are in North Carolina, you may be okay to go ahead and prune it back hard now and let the new growth come on in. I would recommend you go to the American Rose Society Website at http://www.ars.org and look for a consulting rosarian in your area that you can email. They will have great information for you that is spot on for your area. The general information and article Nikki gave above is good information. However, speaking with a rose lover in your area is priceless!
