Is pruning in late summer actually better than spring? I tested both ways

I have a big rose bush in my backyard that's been growing wild for 3 years. Last spring I pruned it back hard and it barely bloomed. This year I waited until August after the flowers faded and trimmed just the dead wood. The new growth came in way thicker and I got a second bloom in October. Anyone else tried late season pruning or is spring still the standard?

2 comments

2 Comments

gavinm8923d ago

Yeah but nobody's talking about the soil temp when you prune. I tested this last year with two hydrangeas and the one I pruned in August when the ground was still warm bounced back way faster than the spring one where the dirt was cold and wet. The roots stay active longer if you hit that late summer window, at least in my zone 6b yard. That second bloom in October you mentioned makes me think your soil was still putting in work.

johnthompson23d ago

But if the roots are still active in warm soil aren't you just encouraging new growth that'll get zapped by the first frost?