Gertrude jekyll rose pruning question

Gertrude Jekyll rose pruning question

My container grown Gertrude Jekyll rose has just come through it's 2nd winter and looks very spindly. I have pruned it down to the lowest bud which is about 2 foot from the base but there are no buds lower down that I can see. The other buds are about 3 foot from the base. Is it safe to just cut it down to about 12" or should I just give it a feed and hope for the best? Any help gratefully received
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You will find some very useful information about pruning Gertrude Jekyll here...

http://rosesingardens.blogspot.com/2008/08/pruning-and-training-of-lanky-roses.html


Kevin

 

Thanks Kevin and WOO (twit t-woo, sorry couldn't resist it ), a lot of very good information there. Yes, I'm growing it as a bush and it gave me a fantastic display of flowers last year and I'm hoping for the same again this year. As soon as the rain and the cold wind disappear, i shall get out there and do as you suggest. Many thanks for your help.