How do I prune my roses?

Question

I have 2 "Cara Mia" rose bushes. I planted them in the early spring. One grew quite tall the other stayed short and didn't bloom much(even thought they are side by side). I live in Southern Ontario and the winters can be quite mild. What do I need to do to get my roses ready for winter? How do I prune them? do they need pruning? I bought them at Wal-Mart for $10, so they are nothing special. Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

Timing is critical. For most bush types, including hybrid teas, florabundas, and other, late winter pruning is best. They bloom on the new growth, and this lets you reshape the plants, and still get maximum new growth for the springtime. Climbers are usually pruned right after thier main flush of spring bloom, although some of the everblooming climbers that don't really stop blooming until frost can be pruned lightly in late winter.

Bush roses, whether thier hybrid teas, florabundas, or miniatures, should be pruned back 50%. Start by removing all weak, non-productive canes. Prune the remaining strong canes back by half, cutting just above buds that face away from the center of the plant. Make each cut with very sharp shears, and cut at a slight angle so the cut will not catch water during a rain. Seal the cut ends with clear shallac or white glue, but not with black pruning sealant. Prune climbers back to 4 to 5 feet after thier peak of spring bloom. Again, remove all weak canes. Tie the remaining canes into horizontal positions, since the canes growing vertically don't bloom as heavily.

You'll also need to prune following each round of flowering. remove spent flowers on your hybrid teas by trimming back to the second set of 5-parted leaves. You'll get more growth and more flowers late in the season.

Consult your local nurseyman.

Answer 2

It is not unusual to buy plants with the same tag that are not really the same plant--a lot depends on the supplier. Growers get the plants mixed up sometimes--I don't think they do it intentionally. So you might have two different roses. The flowers might look the same but they can still be different.

Anyway, to answer your question, most rose experts say to prune in the fall--after the plant has lost it's leaves. First prune any branch that it rubbing another branch. Prune out the one that has the least potential. Then prune it to the shape you want but don't leave more than 15" of stem.

Once they are established you may find they are the same--that for some reason one never got through the root shock of being planted. But if they're different maybe try a lawn & garden center. They usually have more experienced growers to supply them.

Answer 3

I'm assuming that you have a hybrid tea or ordinary shrub rose as climbers require slightly different treatment. When pruning any shrub remember to first remove the three D's. Dead, diseased and damaged. The plant needs to have an open centre with no crossing branches, aim to create a goblet shape. Remove stems that are crossed or touching each other as they will rub together in the wind and damage each other - you don't have to take out both just one will do. Cut stems just above a leaf node with an outward facing bud, if you cut too far above the node the stem will start to die back a little and this gives the opportunity for disease to get in. Don't fret too much it would be difficult to kill the rose unless you cut it all to the ground. Enjoy your gardening.

Answer 4

They're brand new. Don't be in a hurry to prune them! Are they rated hardy for your growing zone? (Coming from W-M, I would be suspicious.) If not, kiss them goodbye and start next year with hardy shrub roses like the "Explorer" series (bred in Canada). If they are hardy, mulch them after the ground freezes and prune off any winter kill when spring arrives.

Answer 5

My gradfather would just trim the tops and then tie burlap around them. This is my first year with roses to so I hope his suggestion keeps them alive until next year

Answer 6

visit this web sight for help
http://www.ehow.com/how_494_prune-roses.html