Question
Hi Lynnette,
I have just finished reading your 8/20/2007 entry on caring for rugosas. I am in my third year with about 25 rugosas in my garden, and this is the first year I am pruning seriously. I am in zone 6 and our last frost is May 15. Is this a good time for spring pruning, or do I need to wait until the danger of frost is over? My roses are putting out new shoots from their old wood quite prolifically right now. Thanks, Richard

Answer
Rugosas cane be pruned right now as frosts will not harm most roses especially the tough Rugosas. Rugosas will sometimes resent their old wood being pruned and the cane will die back. If you don't want a lot of rapid growth with tall canes, only fertilize in the spring, preferably with an organic fertilizer as they seem to prefer it and this makes for a more even bush.