Roses are not fussy plants; in fact they can be as tough as old boots. However, they must be pruned every year to maintain vigorous growth and to keep them flowering well. You can prune in the traditional way (see tips below) but if you can’t be bothered, Don recommends running straight over the top of the bush with a pair of hedge shears or hedge trimmers!

Pruning tips

• In warmer areas (such as Sydney or Brisbane) prune in mid June or July.
• Those living in cooler, frosty areas can delay pruning until the end of August, to ensure that the new shoots are not frost-damaged.
• Use clean, sharp tools. You’ll need secateurs, and a pruning saw or long handled-loppers for old wood.
• Wear sturdy leather gloves and thick clothing to protect yourself from thorns.
• Start by removing 60% of the growth from the top and sides of the bush.
• Cut out spindly branches (less than pencil thickness), any dead, dying or diseased wood and old grey canes.
• Remove crossing growth and canes from the centre of the bush (you should aim for an open, vase shape).
• Prune back remaining canes to about knee height, cutting to a 45°C angle above an outward facing bud.

Remove prunings, then spray the plant and surrounding soil with lime sulphur to kill over-wintering fungal spores and scale. (Note: lime sulphur should only be used in winter on dormant canes. To avoid burning the foliage, spray before growth buds start to swell.)

Further information

Yates Lime Sulphur Spray costs about $6.50 for 250mL and $10 for 500mL.

Copyright CTC Productions 2003