Rose pruning in Southern California.
Our climate here is mild; roses can go year-round. Pruning for optimum
Appearance, blooms, and growth are typically done in January.
They, like anything, do better with a ‘rest’; the pruning accomplishes this.
Helpful tips: do not prune too harshly; cut one-third on older established bushes. Do not prune prior to rain; water inside newly cut canes will cause damage. Stripping the leaves from the plant will also encourage ‘dormancy/rest.’
Iceberg roses are the most forgiving of any bad pruning attempts; many are actually pruned down with gas hedge trimmers.