September garden checklist: Rose bushes. To keep your roses blooming almost year-round, experts suggest constant “deadheading” or removing spent flowers to stimulate a fresh bunch. Make sure plants get regular, deep watering until November. September is a good time to apply a rose fertilizer; always follow the instructions on the product label. Applying too much can burn the roots. You can also lightly prune canes by removing about one-third of the length of the stems, but no more. Use clean, sharp bypass shears to cut canes at a 45-degree angle. Anvil-type shears crush stems and are better suited for cutting dead wood. #gardening #garden #roses #rose #rosebush #pruning #southwest #plants