Friday, April 6, 2012

BASIC ROSE CARE IN APRIL IN THE NORTHEAST - PRUNING



Now that the forsythia is blooming, the daunting chore of pruning is at hand.  Here is a quick primer on pruning to get you into gear for the season: 
·         You need a good pair of bypass pruner.  Make sure it is clean and sharp.  Most rosarians prefer Felco 2 or 6.
·         Remember to cut till you see healthy pith in the center of the cane.  Cut out all diseased, damaged and dead wood, down to the white pith. If you see brown, cut further down.
·         Cut all very thin stems, smaller than a pencil and any canes crisscrossing each other. Try to keep the center open for air circulation. Remove all suckers.
·         For canes that are too big, use a pruning saw.
·         Cut diagonally about ¼ inch to an open space, not necessarily from the outward facing bud. If left longer, the cane will die back and if closer the new growth may break off.
·         Remove all blind shoots. These are stems that taper down to almost nothing.
·         Remove short growths that are only a few inches long that have hardened off and taper down to a point. They will not flower.
·         Seal all cuts with Elmer’s Glue.
·         To get bigger blooms, cut low except for Queen Elizabeth.
·         Remove all leaves and clean the garden of old, diseased leaves. They are the depository of blackspot spores and mildew. 
·         Get rid of all the cuttings into the trash bin.  Do no put them in the compost pile.

Roses are easy plants to grow contrary to popular belief. Why do you think Roses have been around for millions of years?  All they need are food, water and sunlight.  Just like you and me. 

Here at Rose Gardening World, we’ll educate you about the Rose - our National Floral Emblem and the state flower of several states.  Welcome to the World of Rose Gardening at Rose Gardening World where Rose Gardening Tips, Rose Growing Advice, Planting a Rose Garden, Rose Descriptions, Where to Buy Roses, Where to see Rose Gardens, Rose Culture, Rose History, Rose Events, Rose Verses are all here in one place. So, plant a rose today! 

We are constantly updating our contents so visit Rose Gardening World often.  We want to help you grow Beautiful Roses and we welcome comments.  Take time and smell the roses.  Happy Rose Gardening!

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