Hi there,
I noticed my rose bushes and apple trees have started budding (Feb 26, 2024). This is 1-2 months earlier than usual, presumably due to our El Niño winter.
Normally I’d prune my roses when the buds start popping out but this year, with the buds arriving so early, when do you recommend we do our late winter/spring pruning?
Dear Gardener
Thank you for reaching out to Toronto Master Gardeners with a great question on rose bush pruning in this unseasonably warm winter weather. Your question does not identify the type of rose bushes so it is difficult to give specifics. Routine pruning of dead wood, weak growth and damaged canes can be done at any time. You may wish to refer to: Pruning Roses: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide
In this late February spring-like weather, you may consider pruning your roses when about half of the buds are swollen but the leaves have not started to expand. If this stage has passed, pruning may be postponed until after the first flowers have bloomed. Be mindful that hard frosts are still in the forecast with the average last frost date being April 30.
For additional information on pruning roses by types, please see Pruning Roses: Home, How (And When) To Prune Roses and Spring Pruning of Roses
Wishing you much enjoyment of your roses.