To prune or not to prune - that is the question

Discussion in 'Roses' started by Finston Pickle, Dec 22, 2021.

  1. Finston Pickle

    Finston Pickle Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2021
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +17
    We have an old, deep red climbing rose, about 15 years old, which has been trained horizontally to the dwarf wall of our west facing patio. Each year it has given an all summer display on the vertical new growth.

    However it is old and the main root looked fungus like, so concern grew on its health (so far looking good this year). Time for propagation, as we don’t know its name. I know it is probably grafted, but there is no sign of a graft and it is wonderfully black spot free and very healthy. In January this year I thought that I would take some slips to maintain the “bloodline”

    Success! On our sunny patio, I now have five, well rooted slips safely transferred to Fryer’s roses type, deep rose containers to grow on in a light, well drained, soil /peat compost mix, fortified with Richard Jackson’s “Root Booster”. Also two growing in our garden soil in a sunny location with plenty of space to thrive.

    Now comes the question - unanswered anywhere on the Internet - as far as I can see. When/How should I prune these slips so as to achieve four of five good, strong leaders by the end of next year’s growing season - ready for moving to their permanent quarters?
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Perki

      Perki Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jun 2, 2017
      Messages:
      2,342
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Lancashire
      Ratings:
      +8,371
      I'd say prune hard to the lowest buds late winter.

      Maybe @wiseowl can help you out , he likes his roses
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • Finston Pickle

        Finston Pickle Apprentice Gardener

        Joined:
        Dec 20, 2021
        Messages:
        15
        Gender:
        Male
        Ratings:
        +17
        Yes, thanks for the reply - I wonder if @wiseowl can comment.
         
      • wiseowl

        wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

        Joined:
        Oct 29, 2006
        Messages:
        44,113
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Philosophy of people
        Location:
        In a barn somewhere in North Kent
        Ratings:
        +89,284
        "Slip" is an old-fashioned term for a softwood cutting,:old:


        Good afternoon @Finston Pickle my friend as I come from the old Rose school I was trained not to prune a climbing rose slip/cutting for the first three years; only remove dead, damaged or diseased wood. After three years, cut back laterals in the early spring to two or three buds or about six inches, but so many Rose practices have changed over the years so many younger Rosarians may disagree with me but I would still be patient and wait the allotted time that I was taught:smile::old:
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Finston Pickle

          Finston Pickle Apprentice Gardener

          Joined:
          Dec 20, 2021
          Messages:
          15
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +17
          Thank you @wiseowl - I had detected your school of thought on the Internet and was certainly thinking of leaving the young roses, which have the start of a good lateral shape, to their own devices next year, perhaps for two. When should I move these from their pots to to their final destination, I wonder?

          One or two of the young roses have sprouted rather weak growth from below the soil level. I was thinking of leaving them to see if they had reverted to a non climbing form as some people say can happen.

          As I will only be able to use one, perhaps two, of the roses for myself, I may be more adventurous on the other roses and see if second year hard pruning gives a better prognosis.

          Thanks for all inputs - gladly received!
           
          • Friendly Friendly x 2
          • wiseowl

            wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

            Joined:
            Oct 29, 2006
            Messages:
            44,113
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Philosophy of people
            Location:
            In a barn somewhere in North Kent
            Ratings:
            +89,284
            Good afternoon @Finston Pickle please keep us updated with your observations and findings my friend It would be really appreciated,thank you :smile:
             
          Loading...

          Share This Page

          1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
            By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
            Dismiss Notice