Pruning common rock-rose stimulates new growth, leading to an abundance of blooms. It ensures the plant remains vigorous and maintains a compact, aesthetically pleasing shape, preventing overgrowth and potential legginess.

Pruning common rock-rose during late winter to early spring is advised because this coincides with the end of the dormant period, just before new growth begins. This timing allows gardeners to shape the plant without risking damage to new shoots, and ensures that the plant can recover quickly and put its energy into the new growth. Additionally, any dead or damaged wood from the winter can be removed, preventing disease and encouraging healthier growth. Pruning after flowering in early summer is also acceptable, as it allows the plant to maintain a compact form and promotes a second bloom in some varieties of common rock-rose. Avoiding pruning in late summer or fall helps to prevent stimulating new growth that may not harden off before the onset of cold weather, which could lead to winter damage.