Roses make gardens look beautiful. However, you need to take care of them by watering, fertilizing, and pruning or cutting some parts to have them blossom well. To succeed in this, you need to know the best time to prune and the amount to cut off. But can you cut bush roses to the ground?
Yes, you can cut roses to the ground, but only in winter. Do this if the roses are seriously damaged or have been affected by disease all over. Doing this allows you to do away with the disease or damage, providing a chance for better growth.
If you intend to cut your roses, this article will shed more light that’s beneficial to the plant’s growth.
Can I Cut My Rose Bush to The Ground in Summer?
It’s not advisable to cut roses to the ground in summer when the weather is unfavorable for their growth. During this time, the rose bush is past its dormant stage and ready for the growth stage, while its cane is full of sap. So, when you cut the rose, it will lose a lot of sap which weakens it.
In such a condition, your rose wouldn’t be able to fight any disease well. Apart from that, it won’t be able to successfully flower as most of its energy will be used to help restore its vibrant self and heal.
Why You Should Prune Rose Bush?
If you want to prune your roses, it’s best to know the reason why you’re doing so. You should also know the season or time to prune to get the flowers to blossom faster. You can prune to;
To Reduce Size
When you want to reduce the sizes of your roses, it’s best to do this in early spring. When doing this, you should cut each branch back but not more than 1/3 or ½ of the length. After cutting the rose, the branch should have an open vase shape and uniform with the rest.
To Remove Dead or Diseased Parts
If you want to do away with disease or dead branches on your roses, start in early spring. Identify the affected area as they won’t be the same in color. Then cut the whole affected branch down to avoid spreading the disease to the rest.
To Increase Airflow
When you realize your roses aren’t flourishing because of a lack of enough air, it’s best to prone them. You should cut the branches that crisscross each other and the ones growing towards the center of the shrub. Cut about ½ of the branch back to an outward-facing bud.
To Rejuvenate and Promote Growth
At times your rose may fail to grow because it needs pruning. You can improve this by pruning 1/3 of the rose every year. Start with the old branches by cutting them to the ground. Wait until spring and cut another 1/3 to help create an even bush.
How To Prune Rose Bush?
If you want to achieve any of the above benefits for your rose bush, do the following;
Prune From the Ground Going Up
You should begin pruning your rose bush in spring. Check the health of the roses before you begin. Then start from the ground removing dead canes and open the center of the bush to improve airflow.
Remove Dead and Diseased Branches
Then check for the unhealthy or dead stems on the rose and cut it at a 45 degrees angle. Ensure the white flesh is exposed afterward.
Cut The Thin Canes
Such canes will not be beneficial as they will produce less flowers. So, it’s best to remove them to create space for others to grow.
Remove Sucker Growth
You should then remove any sucker which grows from the main cane or the ground. The suckers will not produce flowers, so it’s best to trim them early. Cut them at the ground level or where the main branches meet.
Cut New Growth
After that, you should prune the new growth to the desired size. Cut about ¼ inch above the bud and maintain a 45 degrees angle. The bud should be the one facing outside the plant.
You can then decide to seal the cut areas with white glue to prevent cane borers from damaging the rose further.
How To Care for Roses After Pruning?
If you want your rose bush to bloom after pruning, its best to;
- Avoid covering the roses with sap or tar. Covering the rose will create a humid condition attracting pests or diseases.
- Feed the roses after they start growing. Use the right food and feed the plants after 7 to 14 days during the growing season.
- Don’t feed the plant in late summer when they begin to become dormant in readiness for winter.
Bottom Line
You can cut your rose bush to the ground if it’s dead or disease manifested. Doing this will help reduce disease growth and enable the plant to flourish. You should do this in winter and know how to prune the rose to get the best results.
