I prune in pruning season, whether it's going to rain or not. I haven't noticed any resulting disasters, but am not highly attentive when it comes to disease. The roses mostly grow and bloom.

I have to admit I've never considered it. I prune all year round, rain or shine... whenever I feel like it.

We have had 45 inches of rain here since Oct 1. In the few non-rainy days lately, I have been going out and pruning - only the roses I can reach from the driveway, sidewalk, or paths, of course. The roses do not seem to mind. The ones I did 2 weeks ago are leafing out.

Jackie

Good question Nik. I can't find any documentation stating that pruning in the rain causes more fungal infections... but there's a lot that says pruning in the colder/wetter months helps to reduce the risk of infection. I am no pro at all... and you are all more experienced than me with roses... but I think the idea is that if you leave the old growth on, the moisture from rain can combine with the older, decaying growth and cause higher risk of disease, fungus, infection and other stuff that likes to grow in decay and moisture.

But if you cut it off that reduces the risk. That's what I have read anyways. I have been reading a lot more about all sorts of gardening info since I found this forum. You are all inspirational in that way. :)

Curious... what made you think pruning in rain would increase fungal infection in the past? Did you read it or hear about it somewhere?

Cori Ann, one could imagine that leaving an open cane wound exposed to humid conditions might allow rain borne bacteria or fungi to enter the cane leading to cankers. Especially during dormancy time where not much juice is flowing to help heal the would quickly. But that is not scientific, not even an educated guess, just naive speculation. I'm sure I've read something to this effect somewhere but, then, I've read lots of other nonsense also..

Oh, good - I feel better. In our warm climate our roses never go dormant (except sometimes in the Summer if it is really hot for a long time) - there is no time in the Winter, Spring, or Fall when I prune that I am not cutting off buds and new growth. So, hopefully it will be OK.

Jackie

It would be unusual for me to prune while the rain is actually falling from the sky, but not completely unheard of.

Other than that, I ignore rain. If I waited until the rainy season was over we would be in the spring flush before I could prune. My roses are reasonably healthy. I spray some of them once with a copper fungicide shortly after pruning, and otherwise do not use any fungicides at all. I do select for good health, and recently, with real regret, removed a gorgeous, fragrant rose I loved due to persistent health issues.

Rosefolly

If I waited for the spring rain to stop, I'd never be able to prune! :-) Carol

I was about to post exactly the same thing Carol!

So I certainly hope there are no detrimental effects. Seriously, I haven't had a dry day to garden since early December and don't really expect one till probably April-ish. Sometimes it's just been a very fine drizzle mind, but definitely still precipitation. According to the National Soil Map, my local area is 'seasonally wet' which sounds about right.