Pruning roses that have leafed out very early? - Ask Extension
My rose bushes have put out leaves a month or more earlier than usual this year, before I’ve had a chance to prune or cut them back as I typically d...
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Pruning roses that have leafed out very early? #927761
Asked April 07, 2026, 4:38 PM EDT
My rose bushes have put out leaves a month or more earlier than usual this year, before I’ve had a chance to prune or cut them back as I typically do in April. What to do? Just let them keep growing and hope for the best? Prune the new growth - and would this risk the early summer bloom?
No doubt many others are dealing with this as well, but I haven’t seen any guidance so far. These are very well-established rose bushes (35 or more years, came with the house) that have thrived on benign neglect (annual spring pruning and occasional watering), in a hot, dry location. They typically bloom in June and early September, though they’ve seemed somewhat confused in the past few years…haven’t we all?!
Thanks in advance!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Linda,
Your roses look pretty good to me! I usually wait until they leaf out before I trim them back so I can see what has survived the winter. Just trim off the dead stems and shape as needed I don't think it will affect the blooms. I'm sending you a link I found on rose care, just for your information.
Thanks, The Boulder County Master Gardeners
Rose Maintenence:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/241.pdf
Your roses look pretty good to me! I usually wait until they leaf out before I trim them back so I can see what has survived the winter. Just trim off the dead stems and shape as needed I don't think it will affect the blooms. I'm sending you a link I found on rose care, just for your information.
Thanks, The Boulder County Master Gardeners
Rose Maintenence:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/241.pdf
