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Is it ok to prune roses late in spring if main canes begin to cross? #865828

Asked April 25, 2024, 2:45 AM EDT

Hi, I recently got a new rose (grafted) and after I planted it (sometime in March) I was letting it grow for a while without paying much attention to it. I recently realized that the two largest new canes that have started to grow are crossing over each other quite a bit in the center of the plant (they kind of bumped into each other and are now almost growing vertically parallel to each other but much too closely as their foliage is overlapping). I had to treat the rose for dieback disease, so those two are now the main two canes on the rose actively growing, and one is already producing flower buds. I was wondering when would be a good time to prune the branches so that airflow and sunlight are increased in the center of the plant. Would it be imperative to prune it now (during the next dry spell) before it gets too late in the season, or would pruning it after it's first set of spring blooms be a better time, or even in the fall after it's been given more time to grow? As this rose is already suffering from dieback I want to decrease disease possibility as much as possible (I'm honestly surprised these two canes haven't become infected due to the crossing, the outward facing canes fared the worst), and I know that crossing canes can lead to higher probability of disease due to the decreased airflow, light and possibility of the canes becoming scratched, so I'm looking for some guidance on this issue. Thanks for any help you can provide!

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question, Amber.  Dead, dying, diseased (or dangerous) plant tissue can be pruned in any season, although late winter is recommended for healthy plants.  This article has more specifics:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/flowers-shrubs-trees/pruning-roses

Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 25, 2024, 4:36 PM EDT

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