Question
I would like to know when the best time to prune my rose bushes and if I should fertilize them after pruning or wait till spring.
I live in the Junction city, Oregon.
Thank you for your help.
Pat Liberato

Answer
Hi Pat.........The best time to officially "prune" is very early in the spring, as your bushes begin to leaf-out but before the rosebuds form.  I like to prune back to about 3 to 4 feet in height, prune any crossing "canes", check for suckers (a grafted rose sometimes forms these at the root zone/they belong to the bush the hybrid was grafted onto), clip any dead wood.
  Ironically though, the best year I've ever had in beauty and blooms, I was so busy with my business that i waited too late to prune.  The result was multiple blooms on huge bushes... and it was the very same year that we won a beautification award!  
    Pruning is technically "control of" the bush....keeping it within its own spot, cleaning it up, and anxiously waiting to see it bloom again the coming season.
    I don't fertilize in the Fall, but it would be okay to apply an organic fertilizer,composted manure, etc. under your winter mulch.  It will be slowly absorbed and strengthen your bushes for the winter ...and prepare them for next spring.
    Visit with us on  www.angelique-roses.com    for more rose info.        email:  [email protected]