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Why you
should prune
The main purposes of pruning are:
- To improve the appearance of the bush,
- To stimulate growth,
- Control over-wintering bugs and diseases, and
- To control the quality and quantity of blooms.
Tall, thin canes produce more but smaller blooms. Fewer, thicker
canes result in fewer but larger and better quality blooms. Light
pruning is not recommended for most hybrid teas because tall,
spindly bushes result. Moderate pruning means removal of 1/2
- 2/3 of the existing bush, while hard pruning leaves only 3-4
canes 8 to 12 inches long.
Bushes are always improved and never killed by pruning. Unpruned
roses bloom on small cane tips, go to seed, and become dormant.
Poor or "incorrect" pruning is better than no pruning
at all. The general rule is to prune strong-growing bushes moderately
and weak growers severely.
When to prune
Fall pruning is normally done around Thanksgiving. Bushes
should be cut back to about half their original height and leaves
should be removed. This will prevent winter winds from whipping
the bushes and loosening the root systems. Removing the leaves
is done for hygienic reasons because insect eggs and fungal spores
overwinter on leaves. It is a good practice to mound soil or
mulch 6 to 8 inches deep around the plant to protect it from
winter damage.
Spring pruning is usually done during the second week of March
around south Puget Sound -- a week or so later at higher elevations.
First remove the mounding material to expose the lower plant
and canes. Then follow directions below on "How to prune."
How to
prune
- Take out all dead wood.
- Take out all crossed or twiggy growth.
- Keep the center open for good air circulation.
- Cut all canes to white or pale green pith. Any brown coloration
in the pith indicates a dead or dying cane, in which case the
cane should be pruned to a lower bud eye, clear to the crown
if necessary, in order to find live pith.
- Cut approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a bud, on a downward
slant, away from the bud. Cut to an outside bud to make the plants
grow wider. Cut to an inside bud for more upright growth on a
plant that has a tendency to sprawl.
- Use sharp tools for cutting. Use a keyhole
saw or lopper to cut thick, woody, old canes.
- Cut canes at uneven heights for a longer blooming period
and better appearance.
- Select from 3 to 6 strong basal shoots from previous year's
growth. Remove all other growth. Then prune those canes left.
- Accomplish as many chores as possible just after pruning
before the bushes have sprouted. Remove mulch from the bud union,
weed, and clean up the rose garden. This prevents breaking off
the new shoots when doing these things later.
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