Pruning roses is not difficult, the pruners are in your hand, you are in charge of the final size of the bush and which direction you want the rose bush to grow. For example, if a rose bush was planted too close to a walkway you can make all cuts pointing away from the walkway and the bush will grow that direction just remember you need to spray more for blackspot disease. Tools needed include sharp pruners for nice clean cuts, loppers for larger canes, Elmer’s exterior wood glue if you have problems with cane borers, thick gloves and plenty of Bandaids. First remove all dead and spindly growth, anything smaller than a pencil diameter on Hybrid Teas, David Austins and floribundas. Climbers should not be pruned until after they bloom or you will remove most of the blooms. Knockouts should be pruned to 6 to 8 inches, Hybrid Teas to 10 to 12 inches or as low as you can make yourself prune. Remember these will grow all spring and summer and even with deadheading Knockouts can reach 5 feet and be too tall if not cut back now. Make all cuts 45 degree angles just above an outward facing bud to make the canes to grow out instead of toward the center this helps with air circulation and less chance of black spot during the growing season. Cover the cut ends with Elmer’s glue to keep out borers. Remove all old leaves and rake any that have fallen on the ground, this also will help with fungus control. Fertilize with a good timed-release fertilizer. Till next time - Vicki.
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