Hello
I have 2 rosebushes, small cluster flowering shrubs, that desperately need pruning. Can I prune in the spring, and how far can I cut back? Each cane is about 4-5 feet long and taking over the garden.
Thanks!

Most "purists" meaning folks that know roses will disagree but....
I set up a rose bed (20 ' x about 48') and mixed in whatever plants we scammed, from Teas to Miniatures, Old Fashioneds to Climbers. It's a very informal yet rewarding patch since some species bloom just when others finished blooming.

Soil is a clay, grass clipping mulch, worm castings. We trim back severely by November and again in April. Seems to rejuvinate the rose plants and anyways, the OF's grow about 30' per year if you let them.

So to answer? Trim. Always worked for me....



John

The general rule is to 'prune when the forsythia is blooming', just as the roses are breaking dormancy. So the time is perfect for you now in zone 6. A rose that sends out long canes blooms along the HORIZONTAL of those canes. That's why you'll see long-caned roses in professional rose gardens with the canes tied out horizontally along a fence. If you cut the canes & try & make it a vase-shaped shrub, you will be going against the nature of the plant's blooming pattern & lessen your bloom count considerably. That being said, if you wish a more compact shrub, cut out all the really old looking canes to the ground, & any canes that cross over & rub other canes. Then look closely at the remaining canes & search for a dormant bud that faces outward & cut just above that bud on an angle. This will encourage NEW branching. Then let those NEW branches arch out horizontally in their natural growth pattern, & you'll still have lots of nice blooms. You can pull this trick every spring if you want to keep the size of this type of rose in check. Use good sharp pruners so you don't crush or tear the canes.

Thank you! I have at least 2 weeks until my forsythia blooms, so I'll sharpen my blades 'til then.