Question
Winter in San Diego does not normally have winter frosts. It rarely falls below 45 degrees in the coldest part of winter. I am trying to find out when and how I should prune my Rose bushes. Everything I've been able to find talks about after the last frost. When is the best time for sunny San Diego and how should I prepare them for winter? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Because you are in a mild climate there really isn't any need to prepare your roses for winter. It would be best to let them harden up on their own. Once the weather gets a bit chilly, they will pull down the sap in the canes to the roots. You are lucky as you have a two choices on when to prune. You can do it in November or February in the early spring. No matter what you decide try and keep to the same time every year such as pruning in the fall or the spring. That way your plants will get into the same routine. If you prune in the fall the roses will have a head start for the spring and will bloom earlier. If you prune in the spring the roses will bloom later. Rose roots will continue to grow until the soil temperature drops below 40' Hope this helps.