(MS) - Nearly all roses need an annual, major pruning in the late winter or early spring, right when they re just starting to send out new growth. The new growth is usually little red buds or shoots that will turn into new leaves and stems. Don t wait much longer than that or you ll start interfering with flower production.
Pruning roses well is an art, but even a beginner can do it as long as you follow a few rules. The basic principle for all rose pruning except climbers is to direct all growth outward and upward in a regular and even fashion, keeping the center of the rose bush open so air can circulate, thereby preventing disease and allowing in maximum light to produce maximum flowers.