Roses are a plant that like to start early in the season and end late. These traits can make it difficult for roses to flourish in Colorado, since we all know how our weather is rather erratic and can have radical changes in Spring and Fall.
Plants that were mulched should have been uncovered about the second week in April. Crossing and dead canes should be removed. The live canes should be cut back to a strong outside bud. Canes that have holes in the top should be removed to the stump of the rose and removed. This pruning works for both tea roses and shrub roses. Cuts on canes should be made a sharp angle to help with the reduction of cane boring insects. Roses should be fertilized and have systemic insecticides applied in early Spring.
