The best time to prune most roses is in late winter to early spring, just as new growth begins. This timing may vary depending on the climate—some regions may start as early as January, while others may wait until March, April, or even May in cooler zones. For rambling roses, pruning is usually done in summer immediately after flowering or sometimes in autumn or winter once leaves have dropped. Pruning during this period helps promote healthy growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and shape the rose bush for better air circulation and flowering. Light pruning can be done during summer for deadheading to encourage more blooms, and after the first frost in fall for removing long stems that might be damaged by winter weather. In summary:

• Most roses: prune late winter to early spring (varies by climate)
• Rambling roses: prune summer after flowering or in winter
• Summer: deadhead for continued blooms
• Fall: trim after frost to protect from winter damage

This approach keeps roses healthy, productive, and aesthetically pleasing throughout the growing season.