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5 - Pruning Print page
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Pruning bush roses How to prune bush roses (Hybrid teas) Pruning speeds up growth of healthy shoots to replace old, weaker ones. The aim is to produce a strong, healthy attractive shape.
Before you start Before you start Remember that bush roses flower on the new shoots. If you don't prune a bush rose, the flowers will grow higher and higher until eventually you can't see them.
Secateurs What you need?
Pruning close up Principles of pruning When to prune Mid-winter or early spring when they are dormant or semi dormant. Sometimes the buds are quite difficult to see because their shoots haven't started growing.
How to prune How to prune To keep the flowers in view and to retain a shapely bush with new shoots, prune them quite hard back, removing any unproductive growth to about knee height, 15-23cm (6-9in).
Where to cut Where to cut Make a clean, angled cut about one quarter of an inch above the outward-facing bud, unless the bush is lax and sprawling and the centre of the bush needs filling out. Don't cut too close to it or it will dry out. Do that all the way over the bush.
Pruning back deadwood Pruning back deadwood Cut out all the dead wood and thin weak stems back shorter than strong ones. The harder you prune the stronger the new shoots will grow.
The result The result A really butchered bush where all the topmost buds are squirting outwards to create a tea-cup shape with an open centre. Requires Realplayer Next up, it's time to tackle a possible outbreak of pests and diseases . I'll show you how to prevent and control those garden thugs - so you can at least try to keep your garden in tip-top condition. Test your knowledge Test your gardening knowledge to earn a certificate endorsed by the RHS/BBC.
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5. Caring for your garden Introduction Tools Watering Feeding Pruning Stopping and deadheading Clipping and trimming Tools for pruning How to prune spring flowering shrubs How to prune bush roses Test your knowledge Go further
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