Re: Pruning roses

I know I'm a little late on this, but I heard, or read somewhere that you don't have to be nearly as careful as they used to think. Apparently cutting angled, back to a bud is not so important, so I'd just whack them. They respond to pruning anyway with mass new growth so just go at it! 
A
----- Original Message ----- From: "Johnson Cyndi D Civ 95 CG/SCSRT" <cyndi.johnson@edwards.af.mil> 
To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:51 AM
Subject: [CHAT] Pruning roses



Since I'm thinking about pruning roses this weekend, I have a question.
I have to admit I am not good about pruning. I spend a lot of time
dithering about where to cut and how much to take off, even though I
read my pruning book each season before I start. As a result my
rosebushes are getting taller and taller every year and it takes me more
and more time to cut them back.  All the David Austin roses are now way
over my head and end up about 4' tall by the time I cut everything off
to what seems correct. Even the few hybrid teas are almost 6' tall now
during the summer.
What happens if I chop everything back to about 2'? It would mean all
that's left are the big heavy support stems at the bottom of the plant.
It would sure be faster so I'd actually get it all done this season, and
shorten them up so that next year pruning would be easier. Will they
come back?

Cyndi

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