By: Baxter Williams, American Rose Society Master Rosarian
The following comments are based on Hybrid Tea roses and other largeflowered plants, and assumes that the reader wishes to grow long-stemmed varieties.
- WRONG EQUIPMENT — DO NOT USE anvil shears, or loppers. Both of these types of pruners damage the cut stems in such a way that bacterial infections can come. The flat
edges on the blades crush the outer bark. Instead, use bypass types — the types where the blades pass one another like scissors, and hold them so that the thicker blade touches the stem part that is trimmed away.
- WRONG STEM DIAMETER — When all of the stems are cut to their existing diameters, there will be a lot of undersized stems in the coming growing season; and flowers, while more numerous, will also be undersized. Pencil lead-sized stems produce small blooms. Instead, cut away all stems that are smaller than a pencil in diameter. Whatever stem size you cut is the size that will grow from that cut.
- WRONG ANGLE CUT — When the angle of the cut is too severe, say 60degrees, the new growth will be compromised. Some say that the angle should be 45-degrees to allow all moisture to drain away and not rot the stem. But the angle of the cut is really not important (and could be totally horizontal), unless it is radical. Instead, cut the stem one-eighth of an inch above a leaf axil or stem node. I like to cut to nodes that point upward (vertical) so that the new stem is aimed at the sun; stems cut so that new growth is toward the outside cause flowers to curl upward to follow the sun, rather than to grow straight. Note: while air circulation can be helpful, a little restriction to wind flow is of negligible effect — the wind will find its way through the bush, even if a few leaves are in the way.
- FAIL TO PROTECT PLANTS FROM DISEASE AFTER CUTTING. Last year’s foliage left on the bush invites fungus diseases. It is weaker, and will easily succumb to blackspot and mildew. Likewise, blind shoots will also do so, and harbor unwanted insect pests. Instead, remove old leaves, and apply fungus preventives. Healthy plants will give you many more good rose flowers!
