rosa rugusa

If Iv'e spelt that correctly my question is, if I cut these roses down to ground level will they come back. I planted them as a hedge about ten years ago what I have now is is a hedge of dead looking sticks with leaf and flower on the top twelve inches or so, they are sending plenty of suckers out.

 

You were almost there Phoebe, it's Rosa Rugosa. I wouldn't prune them right down to the ground as they may not recover. What height is the hedge at the moment please?

 

I agree with Woo , I would also give them a good mulching with well rotted manure as the soil must be depleted by now. A rose feed would help as well but I would leave that till the spring to late in the year to be feeding as it may encourage new growth that wont stand up to the winter weather (too soft).

Spruce

 

Mine have been in the garden for four years (from little twiggy stick-like monsters ).

They are still bushy and full of leaf and buds - and yes, they throw up suckers ).

Mine are kept well mulched in chicken manure (both rotted and fresh!) so I'm of the school of thought that yours would benefit from a little banquet (or three).

 

Hi all thank you for your advice, I will try a photo later but as for the name I've no idea they are about 6 0r 7 feet tall I do trim them at least once a year but I will feed them after reading your most helpfull comments as they have never been fed they were planted as a wind break along a fence line to open country.