Question: How much do I cut off my roses, and how do I know where to make the cuts?

Answer: As a general rule you’ll cut bush roses back by 50 percent in late winter. You’ll probably prune climbers back by that same amount, generally to the 4- to 5-foot range. Always prune just above a bud that faces out from the center of the plant. That will encourage spreading, more open growth. Climbers, especially, bloom better when their branches are trained horizontally. As you’re pruning, remove all weak and non-productive twigs.