Wild rose canes

Is it possible to avoid those tall arching branches/canes and keep the plant bushy (low)and when should it be pruned.

 

I don't know if there is a right way to prune wild roses. They grow big with arching stems and that can be a problem in gardens. However, I have seen them cut back to compact shapes in hedgerows and still they flower. Best thing might be to keep them as tidy as you want them by cutting back after they have flowered or later in the autumn if you want to enjoy the hips. Don't dead head because they don't repeat flower and if you dead head you won't get any hips. I just give mine a quick going over in November with the hedgecutter

 

Our roses form a hedge between field and garden.We leave ours rough on the field side and heavily prune on the garden side - it just keeps them a bit more in order.

 

OK now here is what CL says to do - peg the tall arches down - either with twigs or tie them to the other roses, this encourages sap and more flowers where you want them and not just at the top. I think i may have a go at this next year!

 

I have two roses which briefly flower around now, like briars but double [moss roses?] I must admit that I cut them back after flowering and at intervals thereafter to try to keep them under control!

Waco, I must read that book, it seems to have inspired you!