Should I prune my roses in the fall, or is it more beneficial to wait until the spring? As the seasons change and the cooler temperatures arrive, many gardeners find themselves pondering this crucial question. It seems intuitive to think that the onset of autumn may be the right time to cut back those vibrant blooms, allowing the plants to conserve energy for the harsher winter months ahead. However, does this assumption hold up against the realities of rose cultivation? Is it possible that pruning in the fall could lead to unintended consequences, such as new growth that may be vulnerable to frost damage? Furthermore, what specific factors should one take into account before wielding those pruning shears—like the variety of roses, local climate conditions, and the overall health of the plants? Would delaying pruning until spring lead to more robust and resilient blooms in the growing season to follow?