About Long Island Gardener Expertise Rose Gardening -- I grow about 50 roses in my Long Island, N.Y. garden, and that's still not enough. My favorites are heavy on fragrance and long vase life. I really love rare and unusual roses -- brown and blue -- and old damasks and bourbons. They are so worth the trouble. And what trouble these beauties can be. Black spot, white spot, Japanese beetles, aphids. Since indoor bouquets are important, I make sure my Roses are pesticide- and chemical-free. Some people sprinkle rose petals on summer salads. I prefer them in a vase.
Experience Besides degrees in related fields, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of hands on work in the garden where the real knowledge is put to the test.
Question Hi! Just wanted to know when and if I can prune this rose bush! I love it, and don't want to hurt it's growth in any way!
Thanks!
Answer Lucky You! Growers in Texas place Don Juan with Blaze and Climbing America at the top of the highest rated Climbing Roses. If you're in Texas, pat yourself on the back.
Of course, I don't know exactly where you are, but if you are in Zone 7 or cooler, I would say you ought to keep your hands off those pruning shears and wait for spring.
Late pruning at this stage of the game is asking for trouble. You'll stimulate growth by removing branches now. That new growth is too tender and unprepared for the cold, cold days ahead. It's almost winter!
Next spring, we'll talk about pruning and other things that will keep your Roses happy, healthy and bursting with bloom. Let me know however if you need some clarification on this pruning stuff right now. I'm only too happy to expand on this in excruciating detail.
