Pruning rose bush

Discussion in 'Roses' started by Surfer, Sep 29, 2023.

  1. Surfer

    Surfer Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2010
    Messages:
    117
    Ratings:
    +26
    Unfortunately due to illness we never pruned our rose bushes last Oct or again in March. We can get around the others but our "Austin" rose bush is a concern as it has become very "leggy" and we are very unsure on the best way to prune it down. We would be very grateful for some advice. Many thanks.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Sheal

    Sheal Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2011
    Messages:
    36,097
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Dingwall, Ross-shire
    Ratings:
    +54,253
    • Funny Funny x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    • Surfer

      Surfer Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 19, 2010
      Messages:
      117
      Ratings:
      +26
      Thank you. I have already read it and it is good information. However some others say cut back to a bud? As you can see from the picture the stems or branches are devoid of any buds. I am not sure whether to cut back so that the longest stem is about 3-4ft long and hope for the best or to cut higher up as we do not want to lose this rose bush.
       
    • infradig

      infradig Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 28, 2022
      Messages:
      1,053
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Freelance self preservationist
      Location:
      Solent
      Ratings:
      +1,235
      Is this wrong? Austin Rose bush pruned.jpg
      Would do this in Jan-February

      Would also rake back shingle and feed with well rotted manure
       
    • Surfer

      Surfer Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 19, 2010
      Messages:
      117
      Ratings:
      +26
      Many thanks for the excellent advice and highlighting where it should be cut.
       
    • Sheal

      Sheal Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Feb 2, 2011
      Messages:
      36,097
      Gender:
      Female
      Location:
      Dingwall, Ross-shire
      Ratings:
      +54,253
      The information refers to the new tiny leaf buds on the stems, not flower buds @Surfer. Cut about 1/2 inch above the leaf bud and a new shoot will grow from there next season. It will grow in the direction that the 'bud' faces so you have a choice of which bud you cut above.

      I would cut the stems back to about 16/18 inches from the base. If you cut them too low you could remove any new leaf buds and no new shoots will appear.
       
      • Informative Informative x 1
      • infradig

        infradig Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Apr 28, 2022
        Messages:
        1,053
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Freelance self preservationist
        Location:
        Solent
        Ratings:
        +1,235
        I agree with this -but,
        if you cut back now to 16", given a mildish winter, then the bush will start to react and the leaf buds will develop. A revisit in February will enable you to achieve the desired result, as the new buds will be obvious.
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • Sheal

          Sheal Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Feb 2, 2011
          Messages:
          36,097
          Gender:
          Female
          Location:
          Dingwall, Ross-shire
          Ratings:
          +54,253
          Yes @infradig, you're right. I had my winter pruning hat on when I replied. :doh:
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice