cutting edge
It’s now time to prune and roses always seem to present the biggest challenge – but follow our basic checklist and all will be well
1 know your rose
Some types of roses respond best to hard pruning, but others need only the lightest snip. Hybrid tea bushes, miniatures and some floribundas can be cut back by half to two-thirds: standard roses by one-third; most heritage and shrub roses need only the removal of dead or spindly wood. For climbers, remove dead wood and weak side shoots; train new growth into place while still pliable.
2 timing
Do not prune too early, or late frost may blight new growth. Check with local nurseries and gardeners.
3 tools
You need a sharp pair of secateurs, long-handled loppers for extra reach and leverage – and long, strong gloves.
4 pruning stage one
Begin by removing all the top twiggy growth and leaves. Then take out all tired or dead wood and crossing branches. Cut away everything that is thinner than a pencil with a clean cut right next to the main stem.
5 pruning stage two
You should now have an open framework of strong branches. For a medium pruning of hybrid teas and floribundas, you can reduce these to as few as three or four stems, each about 90cm high.
Next, cut out inside stems at the base and shorten side stems to about 10cm. Do not cut into new growth.
Finally, for a traditional hard pruning, you can now shorten the main stems to 70cm and remove all side stems.
6 step back
While you work, pause to look at the bigger picture and the overall shape and branch patterns. Try to visualise how and to where the cut stems will extend themselves and aim for a graceful, well-shaped bush. And protect against pests after pruning by spraying stems with lime sulphur or oleum.
7 feed
A week or so after pruning, lightly fork in compost mixed with a special rose fertiliser and cover with a layer of mulch.
8 learn more about roses
Consult Ludwig’s excellent website ludwigsroses.co.za.