There are two major areas to attend to in January — pruning and planting.
Pruning
We recommend pruning your roses in mid to late January. Prune your hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, old garden roses and mini roses at this time for a spectacular spring bloom typically in early April.
Proper Equipment: There are several tools that you will use that are vital in the quest for proper pruning.
High Quality Pruning Shears: The ideal pruning shears to purchase are bypass pruners which work similar to scissors. The Cadillac of pruning shears is the No. 2 Felco model which will run you over $50. But a similar pruning shear from A.M. Leonard called the Leonard Traditional Bypass Pruner with a 1 inch cutting capacity is equally as good at a much lower cost, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. You can purchase either one at: www.amleo.com
Now On To Pruning Your Roses!
We recommend the removal of 1/2 to 2/3 of your rose bushes that have been in the ground or pots two years or more. That typically is 2-4 feet in height.
Video On Pruning
Below is a terrific video from Heirloom Roses on the basics of pruning roses that will show how simple the procedure actually is. In Tucson’s climate as a general rule (not including climbers and other giant growing roses) you should prune roses two years old or more to 2-4 feet tall — not quite as low as the video shows.
Planting
Re-potting: Check your roses in pots to see if they need to be re-potted. How low is the soil in the pot? If it is lower than 3 inches below the rim, it is probable that the soil has become too compacted and the tiny hair roots can’t get the oxygen they need. So pull the plant out carefully and put it in a larger pot with high quality potting soil with the mix we suggested earlier.
Should I Fertilize In January?