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Cutting back extremely tall rose budh #946910

Asked October 11, 2026, 4:38 PM EDT

I understand the best time to prune roses here in the Willamette Vally is in Feb/March. I have 2 that have gotten very tall. Can I trim back those tallest canes without risking the health of the bush? Thank you!

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

Thanks for contacting ask extension with your question about pruning rose bushes. Yes — if the canes are extremely tall, you can lightly shorten just those tallest canes now, rather than doing a full pruning.  Tall canes can be cut back to about 3 feet in fall to help prevent winter breakage. Save the rest of your pruning to Feb/March.
Hope this helps!
Deb K Replied October 12, 2026, 2:58 PM EDT
Thank you!!
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 11:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied October 13, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT
Your very welcome!
Deb K Replied October 13, 2026, 5:56 PM EDT

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