February Is Time to Prune Roses

— Written by Shawn Banks | February 16, 2026

Rose bushes typically break dormancy in late February or early March, depending on winter temperatures. Because January and February have been relatively cold this year, dormancy is more likely to break in early March. Roses are among the first landscape plants to resume growth, which begins as buds swell and new stems develop.

Pruning during dormancy helps direct the plant’s energy into strong, productive growth. Most roses flower best when they are pruned heavily each year before new growth begins. However, roses that bloom only once in early spring should be pruned after flowering, while repeat-blooming roses that flower throughout the summer should be pruned in winter to encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Basic rose pruning guidelines include:

Remove older stems with thick, woody bark at the base
Retain 3–7 healthy, sturdy canes
Cut remaining canes back to 12–15 inches
Make cuts about ¼ inch above an outward-facing bud at a slight angle to allow water to run off

A short instructional video demonstrating proper pruning cuts is available at the link below.