| Rose pruning is one of those necessary chores; | | | | at varied lengths so the bush looks natural, with |
| people seem to have reservations about how and | | | | heights of roughly 18 to 24 inches. |
| when to carry out the task, but its not difficult, | | | | For varieties with multiple blooming habits, the |
| and any 'mis-cuts' will be remedied with time. Most | | | | woody stems are necessary for flowers. These |
| gardeners prune every year following procedures | | | | roses don't need to be pruned the first year, and |
| that might be specific to the different varieties. | | | | on the second year you only need to remove the |
| What To Prune | | | | oldest third of the stems. |
| Rose bushes need pruning to remove diseased or | | | | One time bloomers, Centifolia, Damask, Gallica, |
| dead canes and to open up the center of the | | | | and Alba require very little pruning. Their flowers |
| plant to allow for greater air circulation. Take a | | | | grow on older woody stems. Wait until fall |
| look at the plant and decide what needs to be | | | | approaches and do a thorough deadheading, |
| removed. | | | | removing dead canes at that time. |
| Beginning at the bottom of the plant, make the | | | | Helpful Hints |
| cuts at sharp 45 degree angles, always cutting | | | | Though pruning is relatively easy, there are a few |
| about a quarter of an inch above a new bud. Its | | | | cautionary notes. Use sharp, well-oiled pruners; |
| better to keep buds facing outward where they | | | | ones that are cleaned frequently with rubbing |
| can grow easily without crowding the other | | | | alcohol. The greatest transmission of rose disease |
| branches, inward facing buds can be eliminated. | | | | is from plant to plant, through pruners. Clean after |
| Pruning targets old, dead canes and thin, wispy | | | | pruning each plant, and take all cuttings out of the |
| branches. A good rule of thumb is to remove one | | | | garden to be disposed. |
| third of the canes, taking the oldest ones first. | | | | When pruning, protect arms and legs from |
| This opens up the plant, reducing moisture and | | | | scratches by wearing long sleeved tops and pants. |
| potential mildew and gives roses a better overall | | | | A good sturdy pair of gloves will help protect |
| appearance. Also cut away suckers from around | | | | hands. After protecting yourself, remember to |
| the base of the plant. | | | | protect newly cut stems on roses by sealing the |
| How And When To Prune | | | | ends with a commercial sealant or a dab of |
| How to prune and when to prune depends on the | | | | Elmer's white glue. This keeps bugs and diseases |
| variety of rose and the climate zone. Plants that | | | | from entering the plant through the open cut. |
| flower once a year have different needs; when | | | | Inspect the garden to see if any plants have been |
| forsythias begin to bloom in early spring it's time | | | | missed, clean up debris, and the job is complete. |
| to prune the once-a-year varieties. Cut the canes | | | | |