Question
We have many "Nearly Wild Roses" planted on a property in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  They were just planted several years ago and are now established fairly well.  Aside from removing dead or diseased canes, is there any additional pruning that is recommended in early spring, such as opening up the center a bit for better air circulation?

Answer
Nearly Wild may be classified as a floribunda but it is mainly grown as a landscape type of rose because it covers so well and needs no attention. This rose will do very well without pruning but if you feel it has become to straggly or even too tall, then use an electric hedge trimmer as this will do the best job. These landscape type roses really look much better if done with something like a hedge trimmer as it keeps them growing as a thick bush.  This idea is not to discourage you from carefully cutting any dead or twiggy growth by hand. But on the whole, if your Nearly Wilds are doing well, I would just enjoy them.