Can I give a rose a harsh prune now or is it too late.

[bumbling]

It's one of those tall, unbushy ones and I'm keen to cut it right back so it's less stringy next year. It's almost finished flowering. Will I kill it if I do?

I hope not LOL I did mine this week

I think the rule is as long as it is before a frost. I have had lots of rose bushes and always forget to prune them- they are quite hardy and always come back in the spring.

I always thought you were meant to prune roses in two stages - once in autumn to reduce wind rock, and then a "proper" shaping go on Valentine's day. Last thing I read was on Rose Buddies, which suggests you just need to do it once.

Happy hacking

Oh this is good timing. DH has just 'pruned' the 3 beautiful climbing roses we inherited with our new house. They were about 8 feet tall and a bit out of control. Unfortunately DH's version of 'pruning' is to leave 3 small sticks poking out of the ground of each one . Please tell me he hasn't killed them, they were so pretty when we moved in................

I read this as can I give Rose a harsh prune or is it too late ??

First thought was blimmin eck she must really constipated.

Hooray! And shudder to the prunes!