How far down should roses be cut in winter?

The depth for winter pruning varies greatly depending on the type of rose and growing conditions. Excessive cutting will expose plants to winter injury, while not enough cutting will leave them vulnerable to winter injury. After many years of testing and learning, I consider the maturity of the variety and the harshness of winter in my location to determine the height of the cut.

The ultimate goal is preserving dormant buds in the lower part of the shrub. When you cut too low, you remove these important growth points, and when you leave too much height, you expose the delicate tissue. I assess the location of the buds on the plant before cutting during the winter, as I aim to maintain regeneration options.

Mature roses can withstand deeper cuts than their younger counterparts. It is essential to note that established hybrid teas will regenerate buds located as low as the soil surface. In contrast, corrective first-year shrubs will require you to maintain the framework in place. I tend to tag new plantings so I can remember to make lighter trims in winter.

Don't cut roses down to ground level unless you are removing dead plants. Live plants rely on energy stored in cane wood to fuel growth in spring. I lost some beautiful antique roses in my early career because of this. Always do your best to preserve living wood.

Incorporate cutting with winterizing. After cutting, mound 8-10 inches of mulch over bases. In the coldest zones, burlap wraps can be added for extra insulation. For my winter regimen, the addition of both exact cuts and winterization fully covers and protects the plant.

Read the full article: When to Prune Roses: A Complete Guide