Rose Pruning: Late Winter + Sulfur Spray

When: South = February; North = March/April (after hard freeze risk).

Pruning Basics

Lime-sulfur or sulfur spray ASAP—kills overwintering fungi, reduces black spot.
Systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) for aphid prevention.
Repeat sulfur if leaf spots appear.

County Extension often has free rose care bulletins for your zone.

Prune late winter, spray sulfur immediately, fertilize spring. Simple routine.

Plant Diseases: Pruning New Floribunda Roses: Modern Approach vs. Old Myths; Winter Pruning Strategy for English Roses in Cold UK Climates; Winter Pruning 'Cl. Pinata' Rose in Zone 8: Moderate Mounding Over Hard Cutback; Late Winter Pruning of Paul's Scarlet Climber and Care for Double Knock Out Roses; Managing Aphids, Leaf Shine, and Pruning in Coastal South African Rose Gardens; Rooting a Florist Rose Cutting – Low Success Rate; When to Prune Knockout Roses in Pennsylvania: Winter vs. Spring Timing; Deadheading Made Simple: Snap Off Spent Blooms; Roses: Modern, Disease-Resistant Varieties for Every Garden; Pruning Climbing Roses: Timing and Technique for Maximum Blooms

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