Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 9:10 am Posts: 1260 Location: Carrollton,TEXAS
For starters, my notes from a presentation by the "rose queen,” Vicky Thaxton, indicate that roses should not be pruned back more than 1/3 at a time. I do not think this means that you can trim 1/3 and then an hour or two later trim another third. Valentines day is the best time to do it, (and easy to remember) but if you have canes that will rub together when the wind blows, go ahead and trim them back.
Best to do this before 28 March according to the farmer’s almanac. Any trimming is best to do during the fourth quarter of the moon's phase, before the new moon.
The moon has a magnetic pull, which has an effect on tides, water tables, and sap flowing in plants (and much more; just ask anyone who works in the ER or who works for the police department). That is why it is better to trim at this time, because the sap is not flowing as much and it is easier on the plant.
It is best to refrain from trimming climbing roses.
_________________ Nadine Bielling Haefs
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