I have discovered that my roses do not mind being gently pruned at any time. However, we live in a very warm zone (9/10). I realize that in cold winter areas there is a risk of encouraging new growth, which might then be killed by a freeze, but 3 months sounds like a safe margin.

Jackie

You've had some rain this summer - I think you should be fine "cleaning them up" and feeding.

Note for new forum members: she isn't doing a hard pruning, just shortening stems, removing twiggy growth and cleaning out the centers of HTs.

I agree with the above - I am a little further north than you and many of my shrub roses get their summer pruning once the second flush is complete (in the next week or two here). It's a good time to reshape and clean up. I stop any pruning at the same time I stop fertilizing - about 6-8 weeks before the first anticipated frost.

Sarah,

You need to take notes this year and then make decisions for next year. Timing bloom is such a variable, based on rainfall and temperatures. Take really detailed notes and treat your garden two or three different ways. And note how late the garden blooms, not just frost date, but sets blooms.

Ann (been there, recorded that)

Thanks so much, this is vey helpful!