Roses yes, Rhodies no. Spring bloomers are getting ready to flower so the time to prune them has passed. But roses are still in winter dormancy as are fruit trees, so pruning is ok. But check with PlantAmnesty.org for specifics on what and how to proceed.
By West Seattle Nursery
This is part of a series of columns prepared by the staff at the award winning West Seattle Nursery.
The Nursery is open for shopping, following COVID guidelines and they offer an array of trees, shrubs, bedding plants, garden supplies, decor and gift items. They are located at 5275 California Ave SW and you can find them online at https://www.westseattlenursery.com
Winter is an excellent time to prune trees and deciduous shrubs. They are still in winter dormancy, so pruning is less of a shock than it will be later in the year. Without leaves, it is easier to see the structure of the plant and make good decisions about where and how to make cuts.
February is commonly rose pruning month.
Some rosarians make it a ritual - pruning on Valentine's Day, President’s Day, or the last day of the month every year. It really doesn’t matter, of course, which day you prune, but before you do, take a few minutes to look up the proper way to prune different types of roses, if you aren’t already familiar.
Plants that should NOT be pruned right now are spring bloomers. Azaleas, rhododendrons, forsythia, camellias and pieris, are examples. Those shrubs should be pruned after they bloom, before they set their flower buds for the coming year, which is usually about six weeks after bloom has faded. If you cut off the buds this winter, you will have to wait another year for flowers.
If you have questions about pruning or need expert help, contact Plant Amnesty. https://www.plantamnesty.org/
They offer the resources you need to prune like a pro.
