Re: Pruning roses

Probably okay... as long as there are some healthy buds on the remaining canes. May give you some oddly shaped plants for a couple of years, if that matters. 


On Jan 31, 2008, at 10:51 AM, Johnson Cyndi D Civ 95 CG/SCSRT wrote:


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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Island Jim
Southwest Florida
27.1 N, 82.4 W
Hardiness Zone 10
Heat Zone 10
Sunset Zone 25
Minimum 30 F [-1 C]
Maximum 100 F [38 C]

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