Question:Β We have a climbing yellow rose that we didnβt prune in January. Shall we prune now or wait until September? Shall we fertilize now or add fresh soil?
Answer:Β You can certainly prune off any dead or damaged canes now but leave the healthy canes. The problem with a major pruning now is that pruning is stressful to plants and the warm temperatures that have begun are as well. Itβs probably best to wait until fall to do any pruning of healthy canes and then only do a light pruning, as normally recommended in the fall, and take off no more than one-third of the plant. You can do more serious pruning in the winter. Fertilizer can be applied beginning in February through May and then again in September and October. If you are spreading solid fertilizer on the soil, make sure you water before and after fertilizing to prevent burning the plants or use a water-soluble fertilizer while you are watering. You can add a half-inch of compost or other organic material to the soil surface as a slow release fertilizer and to help moderate summer temperatures in the root zone.
Peter L. Warren is the Forest Health Program coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Questions, photos and videos may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
