My ‘Molineux’ rose is flowering. Should I leave it or prune it?
Stefan says: Roses have been flowering late everywhere this year, well into November, thanks to the mild autumn. And I do envy you your ‘Molineux’ which, even by the standards of great David Austin shrub roses, really is a beauty with its deep flowers in rich golden-yellow.
When I was planting a new bed of yellow roses a few years ago, it was on my short list, although eventually I opted for another wonderful David Austin variety called ‘Charlotte’. Even in a normal year, ‘Molineux’ tends to flower late in the summer, but this year has been exceptional. However, you should never let an abnormal season and abnormal flowering influence the way you prune. These shrub roses can be pruned fairly lightly now, in which case you will lose some blooms. We always prune ours in the spring because I like them to have plenty of winter protection.