In Southern California the roses do not naturally go dormant. The sprawling ones will continue to grow until they take over the entire yard if allowed to do so. The upright ones will grow into small trees with blooms like this one that is at least six feet tall on what is normally a medium sized floribunda rose, 'Easter Basket'. Next month they will be corralled in and cut back to about three feet tall with three or four stems and all the remaining leaves stripped off to prepare them for their spring debut, at the size I prefer where you do not get a kink in your neck from trying to admire the blooms!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Too Tall
In Southern California the roses do not naturally go dormant. The sprawling ones will continue to grow until they take over the entire yard if allowed to do so. The upright ones will grow into small trees with blooms like this one that is at least six feet tall on what is normally a medium sized floribunda rose, 'Easter Basket'. Next month they will be corralled in and cut back to about three feet tall with three or four stems and all the remaining leaves stripped off to prepare them for their spring debut, at the size I prefer where you do not get a kink in your neck from trying to admire the blooms!
I guess in a warmer climate you can't use the "Valentine's Day" rule of thumb for pruning. At least your rose still looks gorgeous at 6' tall!
ReplyDeleteDear Sheila, Your 'Easter Basket' is looking very regal ... almost a shame to cut it back. I'm still trying to get the hang of rose growing in the Northeast. I think I left it too late to prune before the frost hit. P. x
ReplyDelete"Easter Basket" is a beautiful rose. It is new to me. Thanks for sharing it. I always enjoy your posts.
ReplyDelete