Perhaps
due to disagreement among
rose experts regarding how and when to prune roses, the
task is intimidating to many gardeners. While
it may require time and practice to become an accomplished rose pruner,
you
are not likely to kill a Knock Out
with bad pruning.
Reasons for pruning
Encourage
new growth and bloom,
Remove
dead wood,
Improve
air
circulation and
Shape
the plant.
Season for pruning
At
the first
signs of spring.
Except for removing dead wood and shaping
the plant, we generally recommend
leaving Knock Outs unpruned for the first 2 years and then use the
"one-third"
method. Each year remove one-third of the oldest canes (in addition to
any dead, diseased or dying canes).
Basic
Rose Pruning
Use clean, sharp
tools
Look at the
overall plant, but begin pruning from the base of the plant.
Prune to open
the center of the plant to light and air circulation
Make your cuts
at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above a bud that is facing toward
the outside of the plant.
Make sure it is
a clean cut (not ragged)
Remove all
broken, dead, dying or diseased wood (Any branches that look dry,
shriveled or black.Cut
until the inside of the cane is white.)
Remove any weak
or twiggy branches thinner than a pencil
If cane borers
are a problem in your area, seal the cut with a white glue, such as
Elmers.
While
deadheading Knock Out blooms will increase the bloom cycles,
since petals fall cleanly, removing old blooms is not required.
For clean, easy cut and rapid healing of the canes, we recommend Felco pruners and have identified some of the best deals for our web site customers -
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