Knock out roses

Question

I live in Alabama. It is now October!! When should I cut back my knock out roses. They are looking raggy and unkempt.

Answer 1

Spring is the usual time for pruning, just before the rose leafs out. You can trim the raggedy growth on the edges when the plant is dormant but leave major cane cutting for early spring. Pruning removes stiff, woody growth while trimming removes flexible recent growth.