The techniques suggested below are simply guidelines which can be followed. Many varieties. of roses respond differently to various methods and if a particular variety is not producing the desired effect, try another technique. Just remember:
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1. Severe early spring pruning on one-time bloomers will sacrifice bloom.
2. Sometimes a hard cut-back will tend to restore a weak bush.
3. A bush well “shaped up” every year will be more satisfactory than a bush allowed to go rampant for several years, then cut back.
Continue reading “Suggested Pruning Techniques for Old Garden Roses”
Some call it shovel pruning, meaning dig it up, throw it away, and replace it with a new rose that has been proven to thrive well in your area. There are many reasons a rose may need to be shovel pruned. Rose Rosette is the worst reason, but often a rose is no longer performing to your satisfaction or it has out grown its assigned space in your garden.