Even in the depths of winter, Hangzhou’s elevated roadways remain awash with color, thanks to the city’s famed “sky-high floral canopy.” Starting January 10, however, the high-rise roses that have dazzled residents and visitors alike throughout the year will enter their annual dormancy period for essential pruning and reshaping.

Why trim back such vibrant blooms? As the old saying goes: “Spring sprouts, summer grows, autumn harvests, winter stores.” Just like all living things, roses follow nature’s rhythm. This winter “rest” is not an end but a strategic pause ahead of the coldest stretch of the year, known in the traditional Chinese calendar as Dahan (Great Cold). “Winter is nearly here, and temperatures will soon drop below freezing,” explained a horticulture expert from Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Gardens. “We’ll be halting all irrigation soon. If we let the roses keep flowering now, they’ll burn through precious stored nutrients and moisture - and come spring, they simply won’t have the energy to burst forth with full vitality.”

The pruning process is both art and science. Crews will remove dead, diseased, weak, crossing, overcrowded, and misshapen branches, while carefully shortening healthy stems to encourage strong bud development and an ideal growth structure. “This is no just about aesthetics,” he added. “Proper winter pruning helps the plants survive the cold safely, channels energy to where it’s needed most, and sets the stage for a spring bloom that’s more uniform, longer-lasting, and even more breathtaking than before.” In a nod to innovation, the city will also run a controlled experiment on select stretches planted with new, premium rose varieties. These sections will not be pruned this winter. “These cultivars are bred for resilience - they’re hardy, disease-resistant, and vigorous,” said the expert. “We’re curious to see if they can offer a pleasant floral surprise even in the heart of winter.”

Hangzhou’s urban greening office reminds the public that all pruning operations will be scheduled overnight to avoid traffic peaks. They kindly ask for residents’ understanding and support as the city works to preserve one of its most beloved urban landscapes: a living ribbon of color suspended above the streets.