Roses sending out new growth in early February. - Ask Extension
We haven't had a hard frost and there is at least a couple of inches of growth (as of Valentine's Day).
Will pruning now damage the plant if there is...
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Roses sending out new growth in early February. #924683
Asked February 17, 2026, 9:00 AM EST
We haven't had a hard frost and there is at least a couple of inches of growth (as of Valentine's Day).
Will pruning now damage the plant if there is a hard frost? Too late to add dormant spray this early in the season?
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, George. Yes; you can begin pruning this early, but, with the near-freezing temperatures this week, hold off a week. A freeze can harm the plant's structure. Here's more information on this topic: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/flowers-shrubs-trees/pruning-roses
If your rose bushes are already producing leaves, it is too late to spray a dormant spray, because they have broken dormancy. I am uncertain what pest you are spraying for, but this guide provides help for the most common pests in our region: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/ec1520.pdf
Hope these are helpful. Good luck!
If your rose bushes are already producing leaves, it is too late to spray a dormant spray, because they have broken dormancy. I am uncertain what pest you are spraying for, but this guide provides help for the most common pests in our region: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/ec1520.pdf
Hope these are helpful. Good luck!
