Essential Tips For Cutting Roses
The roses in my garden are blooming beautifully right now. These established plants look healthy and are producing lots of blooms. Proper planting and care have given me the results I want, but there’s another factor that produces beautiful blooms – one that many people might not consider – there is a “right” way to cut roses. Pruning rose bushes correctly actually promotes further blooms, and that’s we’re after, right?
Take a close look at the structure of one of the stems on your rose plant: notice groups of 5 leaflets along the stem and as you continue to look toward the bloom you will see a group of 3 leaflets. The bud just below the 5-leaflet structure is the best place for a new branch to grow. This is where you will make your cut – about ΒΌ inch above where the 5-leaflet attaches to the main stem. This cut will tell the plant to push-out a new branch from that site.
Now, look carefully at your plant before cutting to decide where you want the next branch to grow – in this way you can keep the shape of the rose bush symmetrical. Use a good pair of pruning shears to make a vertical cut – the vertical cut will ensure moisture run-off from the site. You don’t want moisture to settle on a new “wound” because it can cause the area to rot, which could develop into more serious problems for your rose bush.
Some rose varieties produce blooms that grow in clusters, others produce one bloom at the tip of the stem. However, those that produce one bloom will sometimes produce 2 or 3 buds at the tip – you can prune off the others to allow just one bud to thrive into a gorgeous bloom since the energy of the plant will focus on the remaining bud.
Every so often your bush will push-out a vigorous stem from the rootstock – these are known as suckers and should be removed.
You may have to move the soil to get to the base where you can cut it away from the rootstock. Go ahead and carefully remove the soil, make your cut and replace the soil.
One last thought, pruning or cutting too much is not good for your plant. It can actually weaken the plants vitality – in general, pruning is good for your plant, but over-pruning can harm it. After you make some cuts, observe your plant for awhile before making any more. Watch for signs of stress – if it appears to be losing its vitality stop cutting for awhile. Give it time to regain its strength and then feel free to cut again when necessary.
Remember, proper cutting will enhance your plant’s performance and give you beautiful blooms. Follow these simple steps and you will be pleased with the results of a vigorous and gorgeous blooming plant.
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