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Rose Pruning Again

Late February to early March is the time for the major pruning of roses. Back in December, I did a preliminary pruning , now is the time for the last major pruning before the spring season begins.  First, a comment on hybrid tea roses. This is what most people have in their gardens. I only have a few hybrid tea roses. These are the roses that need the most drastic pruning. Basically, you cut all the canes down to about 1 foot, making the cuts right above an outward-facing bud. The result will be something like this -  Most of my roses fall into the shrub and climbing categories. These roses are pruned differently and not as severe as the hybrid teas. For shrub roses (and many of the David Austin English roses fall into this category), I first take out the older canes completely to the ground. The older canes are easy to spot - they will be thicker and darker in color. After thinning out the older canes, I remove any canes that are damaged, crossing one another and canes that ...
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A beauty of a bush

Aptly named - Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) - I've always been puzzled as to why I never see it in nurseries or other gardens. This was one of the first shrubs planted in the garden so it has to be around 15 years old. 

The heat is ruining the blooms. The bottom photo is from last year when it was prettier.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. aquablueroseApril 2, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Hi Phillip,

    It is vey beautiful! I heard about the heat you are experiencing. I am so sorry! I am praying all will be well with your beautiful garden soon.

    gerri XXXX

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  2. LesApril 3, 2012 at 4:20 AM

    I tried to offer this years ago, but it was a very hard sell. In bloom I could, but during the other 50 weeks of the year, no way.

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  3. Becca's DirtApril 3, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    It sure does brighten the area. Have a nice day.

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  4. Dee/reddirtramblingsApril 3, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    It is very pretty. I've never seen it for sale or grown here for that matter. Love yours and its blowsy way of showing itself.~~Dee

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  5. scottweberpdxApril 3, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    Even if it's an off year, it's a beauty, to be sure!

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  6. Gardener on Sherlock StreetApril 3, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    Love how it pops out of the hedge.

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  7. Casa MariposaApril 4, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    I saw beauty bush more when I lived in the south but rarely up here in northern VA. I love big, rambley blooming bushes. :o) Yours is gorgeous!

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  8. Lisa at GreenbowApril 5, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    This is indeed a beauty. From a distance it reminds me of my Wedding bouquet Spirea. The heat has left here for the time being. Hopefully things will slow down so we can enjoy the rest of the early bloomers.

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