of hybrid tea roses
Hybrid tea roses are still a firm favourite because of their perfect cut flowers. After this past season of drought, and the uncertainty in many areas of what spring will bring, it is better to prune lightly rather than severely which can put too much strain on the rose if watering is still restricted.
Light pruning allows the rose to quickly make new leaves because the eyes are fresher and younger and sprout more easily. With more leaves being produced, the roots are encouraged to spread, going deeper and wider, finding new sources of water and nutrients which makes the rose far more likely to survive when there is less water.
Severe pruning (to about 50cm) reduces the number of stems and they are cut back to older dormant eyes that take longer to sprout. If the rose does not receive enough water, the sprouting takes even longer, which means that fewer leaves are produced on shorter stems and the root system remains underdeveloped and does not cope with intermittent watering.
How to prune more lightly, under normal climatic conditions:
• Instead of cutting down to knee height, cut back to hip height for most varieties and retain some side stems on the main stems. • Remove dead branches and older main stems (these stems and thorns are grey in colour). • Cut forked branches back to a single tine. • Pull off all leaves because they can harbour pests and diseases.
When to prune
From mid-July onwards and not later than the first week in August. In very cold areas (eastern Free State and the Kokstad area of southern KZN), delay pruning until the end of August.
Aftercare
Remove all leaves as they shelter pests during winter. Enrich and aerate the soil by digging in compost, peanut shells, crushed apricot pips, etc. to a depth of 30cm. Sprinkle Vigorosa over the surface of the bed and water well.