Some of my rose bushes are too tall (in excess of 6’) because they were reaching for the sun as the result of a couple of trees that were blocking it. The trees are gone, so I want to prune the bushes back to a more reasonable height (say, 4’). Here’s the problem: if I prune to the height I will be cutting well below the last visible growth bud or leaves on most of the canes. Do I just prune to the desired height anyway (below the growth buds), or prune down in stages over time?
Thanks for the advice!
Welcome Pietrie, Can you upload a pic for us? It seems reasonable to prune down to 4’, but above a leaf node. Be sure to fertilize and be faithful to water
Look below the leaves for bud scars that indicate where dormant buds exist. Bud scars resemble little smiles. Cut above an outward facing bud.
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When pruning rose bushes, address dead, diseased, dying , crossing and spindly canes, regarding of height. Last year’s shade probably has created spring pruning of a more aggressive nature. What state are you from?
I would definitely prune past or lower on the cane than you have pruned in the past. Those roses were searching for sun and canes may not be as strong as this year’s growth. Roses need a strong foundation to thrive.
I live in Delaware. My roses are well-fertilized, I think, and well-watered. I think the problem is probably me - I am afraid to prune them below the leaf nodes, and many of the primary canes don’t seem to have leaf nodes below 4 or 5 feet high.
Look for small straight lines along the canes. Sometimes all you will see is the line and not a bud or leaf node. I will try to post a picture.