24 Jan Roses Winter Pruning
In Sydney this is carried out late June to early July. Make sure secateurs are clean and sharp and a pruning saw is useful at this time to remove dead wood. The same basic principals of summer pruning are used and the aim again is to remove all dead, old or diseased plant material. Weak growth can be removed as too can all crossing branches. Healthy stems are also reduced in length at this time depending on the type of rose by 1/3 – 1/2. Consult your nursery as to how hard to prune back your particular rose.
This is also the time when you apply a spray of lime sulphur which should be done liberally all over the bush as well as the soil/mulch below. This kills of pests and diseases which can hang around over winter ready to infect the new spring growth. Be careful to rinse off any plants near the roses who get sprayed accidentaly as the lime sulphur at this rate can defoliate plants.
All this pruning and spraying is done to promote healthy new stems for next season. You can really dictate the shape of the bush at this time and can build a good framework for healthy, disease-free growth next season.
Different types of roses are pruned back harder or lighter than others so again consult your local garden centre.
No Comments