Correct pruning is crucial for establishing a healthy rose plant and for promoting more flowers!  Learn from Rose Gilardi of the SF Rose Society as she shares tips for successful rose pruning. She’ll demonstrate pruning several rose varieties so you can view proper pruning techniques. This class is excellent for every level of rose gardener.

Outline:

  • Tetanus Shot/Booster Shot
  • Season for Pruning
    • Nature is the original pruner 
    • Increase vigor 
    • Rejuvenate the bush 
  • When to Prune
    • Best time in our area= December, January, February 
  • How to Prune
    • Remove old, small and dead canes 
    • Open up center for better air circulation 
  • Tools Needed
    • Sharp pruning shears (scissor type) 
    • Large loppers 
    • Pruning saw for large canes 
    • Protective gloves and clothing 
    • Safety glasses 
    • Sharpening stone (diamond file)
  • Evaluate the Bush
    • What type (HT, FL, Shrub) 
    • How old is the bush? 
    • How much to prune
      • ¼ to ⅓ 
  • Where to Cut
    • Explanation of bud union 
    • Outward facing eye (explain) 
    • ¼” about the eye at a 45 degree angle 
    • Remove the whole cane (cut flesh) 
  • When Finished
    • All leaves should be gone 
    • Clean up 
    • Remove weeds and leaves around plant 
  • To Spray or Not to Spray
    • If you are spraying always water before/first 
    • Dormant spray or regular formula spray 
  • Feeding
    • Water before 
    • Fertilizer composition (10-5-10) 
    • NPK-Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium 
    • Organic food now 
      • Manures (steer, chicken, guano, rabbit, etc.) 
      • Alfalfa 
      • Compost 
    • Chemical food starting in March 
      • Peters 20-20-20 
      • Miracle gro 
      • Maxsea 
      • Time-Release (Osmocote) 
    • Start a Garden Diary 
      • Enter everything done in the garden every time