how far am I supposed to vut back roses without damaging them?

Question

I have miss american beauty roses nad I need to trim themk. I have beenreading pruiniong books, but i just need to know how far can I cut them back with out killing or damaging the bush. Thank you I need all the help i can get for this one!!!

Answer 1

There are two reasons for pruning a rose bush, one is to clean up the appearance of the plant two, is because roses only produce flowers on new wood. There are two methods for pruning roses. One is used in mild winter areas where you usually get three blooms a year. After the first bloom you remove the spent flower by counting down the stem 5 leave joints, cut right above the 5th one. Do this after each bloom. Use a slant cut from above the joint down to the opposite side and below the joint. You can also clean up the bush by removing any crossing or crowded area in the plant. In areas with freezing winters you wait until spring when the buds are beginning to swell and cut the plant back about 1/2. Use the same slant cut above a swelling stem bud. Fertilize, water (at the base only not on the plant), spot treat for insects and disease.

Answer 2

You should cut then right above a joint of where a leaf comes out. At that point there will be a little nub, that will become the new growth. If you don't see the nub then don't cut there. You don't want to cut too much if it is in bloom at this time. The best time to do it is in the fall once all the buds are gone then you can prune it quite a bit. While you are pruning look at the center pulp of the stem. If it looks like there is a hole running down through it you need to cut further down until the pulp is solid again That hole is where a worm has eaten the pulp.

Answer 3

Dave's answer is correct. I would also suggest getting a book about roses, because it will really help teach you about them. Make sure the book you get talks about spraying them and pruning them. They're picky little things. Good luck!

Answer 4

isn't there a special time of year for cutting them back? I tie mine up with old tights if they start to get in the way and cut back when all the flowering has done.