Question
Hi Lynnette,

We live in London, UK and have a new interest in roses. 3-4 weeks ago we purchased a mix of very young Bush and Climbing roses without green stems. These are all now potted and living in our kitchen. We're waiting for some good weather (UK has had a tough winter) where there's confidence that there won't be any more frost prior to planting.

All are growing well, some really well (some have grown 24 inches) but effort is often concentrated on mainly one stem. What would your advice re pruning.

Many thanks and really appreciate your time in answering.

rgds Martin & Monica

Answer
Roses are really very hardy shrubs and can be planted even if there is a frost or cold weather. However when they have been grown in the house, it is the same as if they were in a greenhouse. This makes them very tender and as you have mentioned, you will have to wait until there is no chance of a cold snap.  Before you plant them outside try and harden them off gradually by putting them outside after sun up and then taking them back in to a cool area before sun down. This toughens up the leaves as well as the roots. It isn't the main roots that are killed by the cold, it is the frail little feeder roots which take up the water and nutrients to the bush.
Roses are personally programmed to grow a certain way in the garden. Some grow tall and then branch out, while others throw up  basal canes and grow wide and bushy. But in a very warm environment, they push up too quickly and sometimes all the energy goes into one cane. I wouldn't prune your roses this year because it will be a shock and may even cause the canes to die back. Just let the roses grow the way they want to and then next spring, if you feel the bush is too tall and lanky, then prune  them down by about a third and this should make the rose bush out more. Climbers should not be pruned until about four years. They need time to climb and then they produce flowers when they aren't expending their energy making growth like a climber. Pruning activates growth and not flowers.