Annual Fall Rose Cutback
Saturday, November 18, 8:30 am
Volunteer office at south end of shelter house
Bring gloves, hand pruners or long handled lopper

It’s time to prune roses for the winter. The public is invited to help Columbus Recreation and Parks Department staff and volunteers prune roses to prepare for winter winter. This annual maintenance work takes place in mid November, after temperatures drop below freezing. This year it is scheduled for Saturday, November 18.

Why prune now?

Cutting most roses in the fall is key to the overall health of the plant. It is done after a few frosts have occurred because low temperatures induce the rose to go dormant. This stops production of new growth, which would be killed during the winter months. Long canes whipping around in the wind or weighted down with snow or ice can cause further damage. This is true for hybrid tea roses and many shrub roses.

Watch this video on how to prune roses in the fall.

There are some roses that should not be pruned in the fall, specifically climbing roses. Unlike hybrid teas which produce blooms on new wood (the current season’s canes), climbers produce blooms from old wood- the previous season’s canes. Pruning them in the fall will result in very few blooms next spring.

Some gardeners choose not to prune their shrub roses in the fall, if they are varieties that produce large rose hips. These seed pods can be very attractive in winter, with colors from yellow and orange to deep red. They are winter source of food for birds and wildlife.

Help prune and learn about roses

Garden staff and rose volunteers will work along side anyone who comes to help. No rose experience needed- we can teach you techniques quickly and the reasons to use them. Dress warmly; we will cancel only if it raining. We work for several hours, and light refreshments will be served.

No preregistration required. We will ask you to sign in when you arrive, so that the Columbus Park of Roses Foundation can tally hours worked, which are forwarded to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Hope to see you in the garden!

Find out more about the volunteer program, email questions, or get directions.