Question
I have 2 Lady Banks roses.  They were planted 3 years ago and except for pruning "wild" canes, I have done nothing, but feel that they now need to be prune as they are out of control. Where and how do I start?  I live in Az where it is still hot. should I wait for cooler weather?  My plants appear healthy, but are loosing browned leaves. Thanks in advance for your help.  Sue

Answer
Your lady Banks is acting very normal. This rose can get out of control very easily. You can prune now but because the weather is still warm the rose will probably continue to go wild. You are right, it is a better idea to wait until it is cooler when the rose is thinking of calming down for the cooler weather. Decide first just how and where you want the rose to grow. If you want it to grow against something then leave about 5 main new canes and cut out any very thin ones to the base. Then cut the canes you have left down to where you want them. Keeping in mind that they will probably grow back again so you can be hard in your pruning. If you just want it to grow as a large bush then leave all the canes and simply cut right across the whole bush down to about 4 feet. This will make it bush out and grow like a large shrub. But however you want it to grow, you will have to prune the rose every fall to keep it under control. I should tell you that Lady Banks blooms on first and second year wood so this year your pruning will cut a lot of the next years flower buds off. But it will bloom well for you the following years.