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How can I make these rose plants look more "tidy"?
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:53 pm
by FATZ
We got these rose plants a few years ago from a family member and have no idea what kind they are. As you can see, we do get roses, but usually not more than one or two at a time. There is brown in some places including the bottom and tips of some otherwise healthy looking green stems.
I'm sure I haven't supplied enough information here. Any pointers would be great.
PHOTO 1:
Plant #1
[img]https://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx11/fatzlee/greenthumb07-07-09_1008.jpg[/img]
PHOTO 2:
Bottom of plant #1
[img]https://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx11/fatzlee/greenthumb07-07-09_1007.jpg[/img]
PHOTO 3:
Plant #2
[img]https://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx11/fatzlee/greenthumb07-07-09_1009.jpg[/img]
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:06 pm
by cynthia_h
These roses are in need of pruning. If someone uses the word "leggy" with regard to these plants, it means that the canes look "too long" in relation to the plant as a whole.
Pruning is best performed when the plants are dormant. Maybe in January where you live?
Take a look at (I think) the Sticky in the Rose Forum on pruning. If the Sticky doesn't cover it, then a search on The Helpful Gardener for "rose pruning" will give you lots of help.
Cynthia H.
(taking a break from a client project)
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:10 pm
by FATZ
Thanks, Cynthia. I live in North Louisiana, USA. It is hot here with little rain lately.
I will take a look at the sticky.
Thanks again.
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 1:31 am
by vintagejuls
Fatz,
You may want to move you Elephant Ears to where your Roses are now and move your Roses out to where your Elephant Ears are now...
Roses love, love love direct sun and need a little more space than what you have there. They are leggy and too close to the building.
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 6:28 am
by FATZ
I might just do that very thing. The wife "laid out" the landscaping. I basically took over after that not knowing anything.
Now, to persuade her to move 'em and keep 'em or leave 'em and lose 'em.
Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 1:48 pm
by vintagejuls
FATZ wrote:Now, to persuade her to move 'em and keep 'em or leave 'em and lose 'em.
Loosin 'em sounds like persuasion enough... Good luck on that.
Keep us posted.
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:09 am
by FATZ
COME ON AUTUMN!!! I really want to get these plants pruned.
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:29 pm
by vintagejuls
Fatz,
It wouldn't hurt to trim them. Every area and type of rose is different. I let mine talk to me. I'm in Southern California and cut them a few times a year just depending on the growing season. I cut them way back in late fall for the winter but during the summer and sometimes early spring they need a trim for shape.
If where you are doesn't get snow or below 40 degrees in the daytime, I'm sure they would be OK if you trim them down to about 8 - 10". But that's just my opinion based on what I can see from your pics. It won't kill them and it doesn't look like they are going to bloom again before winter. Actually, if you trim them back you will probably see new grown in a month or two...