
Roses are generally pruned late winter before they leaf out. Watch for swelling of the leaf buds (or blooming of forsythia) to figure out the best time. I live in Michigan and find that forsythia bloom comes just after the best time to prune roses. So observe the canes and you will see the first signs of emerging leaves; this is pruning time. Taller roses like grandiflora and climbers may need trimming in late fall to prevent winter damage. The website that follows discusses gardening in coastal NC and rose pruning. Your local Extension website is worth browsing! https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/roses-for-north-carolina