Pruning of roses

[curtindobber]

My roses are really big, fragrant and beautiful using Lady Bug in the beds. I love cutting them for vases. They still have several buds so I do not plan to prune until they become free of blooms and dormant. I am wondering how far back I can prune. They are in a bed close to our pool so I want to keep them as small as possible. Thanks for your input.

[trop]

laeve the old blooms (called hips) on until Vaentines day. If they are antique roses you can prune them pretty severe, no more then two-thirds.
Hybrids can also be cut back two-thirds, but proper pruning is more important. Get them back to 4 or 5 good heavy stems. Always prune to a outside bud.

[curtindobber]

Thanks, trop. I'll try that. I was hoping to have blooms for Christmas like I did for Thanksgiving. The rate this weather is going it may be possible.

[Nadine]

Personally, I never cut more than 1/3 off at a time.
Valentine's day is when I prune my roses. It is a good time and it is easy to remember!

[curtindobber]

Thanks, Nadine. I appreciate your input. After the big rains this year we were concerned and probably put out more nutrients than necessary. We have used Lady Bug several times as well as lava sand, dry molasses, corn gluten and horticultural cornmeal. Now I'm enjoying beautiful, aromatic roses even in December so I wanted to be careful about pruning them.