When is the proper time to cut roses down? Spring or fall?

i love to garden, but every spring io cut my roses and they dont seem to grow as well as my mother in laws roses. i live in washington state if that helps PLease help me

When is the proper time to cut roses down? Spring or fall?
Spring works well for me, since i can assess the winter damage. The problem you are having may not be related to pruning. Your roses will do best with 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also are very heavy feeders, and i recommend organic fertilizers. The best thing is compost or well rotted manure (this will also improve your soil and helps out later on). There are also very good organic slow-release fertilizers that will help your roses do their best. Good luck!
Reply:I think you'll find that it will depend upon what varieties you have. Best option is to go to your local library and look them up. Unles you able to do this online.
Reply:http://www.humeseeds.com/prunrose.htm



http://gardening.about.com/od/rose1/a/Ro...



A couple of links that may help you out....



Happy Gardening!
Reply:spring..so that you can assess how much has servived the winter
Reply:Cut them back in the spring after the last frost. Once buds and blooms start to show just prune for shape and aesthetics.



You mother in law may have better soil or a different variety of rose, she may be doing a better job of fertilizing. Her roses may be getting more or less sun and water than yours. I'm sure she would just LOVE to share her gardening secrets with you, this could be a good bonding experience!
Reply:In my opinion spring is the season when all plants 'wake up' and want to grow, so I wouldn't cut them down in spring...



I wasn't sure about my statement that came out of my logical understanding of botanical growth so I checked the web, here's what a website says:



Coastal rose growers begin to prune their roses immediately after Thanksgiving. Most folks, however, will wait until the Holidays are over. Some of you, whose gardens sometimes experience freezing temperatures, may be waiting until early February. Whenever you get it done, the pruning you do in this season will set the stage for healthy spring growth, long straight bloom stems, and a bounty of beautiful flowers.



Hope this helps :)
Reply:Very early spring. Just after the last frost before the first new buds.
Reply:just trying to get to level two sorry i dont have an answer! Feel free to IM me! frogxlegs, im online now!



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