Pruning roses?
Question:I'm a beginner and most of our rose plants did not survive last year's winter so I planted some new ones. When should I prune them, how.where to cut..and all that stuff. Do I cover the ground around the plant with mulch or something so it won't get damage by winter? What should i do so the place where i cut doesn't decay?
Answers:
Roses can stand a light pruning in the fall and a heavy pruning in early spring. Prune any dead or diseased wood and anything that crosses and rubs. You want to make the cuts primarily above outward facing buds so it will open the center for good airflow.Mostly you don't really have to worry about the cut, but if you wish to, a little Elmers glue works well to seal the cut. Mound loose dirt or mulch around the plant in the late fall, maybe about 10 inches deep or so. I use straw around mine and it works well...until I have to clean it up in the spring anyway, I don't like that part of it.
Below is a publication about Rose Care we got with our Master Gardener classes.
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/ag...
Leave them alone for the first 2 or 3 years. They are usually hardy enough to withstand winter, but if you`re worried, cover them with plastic or sheets. If you`re going to prune them, cut just after a node, where 2 leaves grow out of the stem.
You should cut them back in the fall, and take all small branches etc. off down to where it joins the main branch. For normal pruning, from the top of the plant, on each stem - find the first branch that has 5 leaves - cut just above that. Depending on how severe your winters would determine mulching etc. with leaves. If you have "hard" Winter's, it's not a bad idea to provide some sort of protection. There are a number of good websites devoted to caring for roses.
I used to prune in Nov. but the last few years I don't prune till spring.. Now in November I cover them with mulch... in spring once it warms up and I see new green growth on the plants I than trim the old growth down to the new. I have never done anything so the cut doesn't decay... think it just happens.. I have had roses for about 15 to 20 years when lived in WI. Now, I live in MT and have treated my roses the same with the same success. My roses are in bloom right now and look good.
http://www.pernellgerver.com/howtogrowro...
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