Bringing back the roses

[desertgirl]

I have two huge,gnarled rosebushes in the front yard. I'm not a huge fan, so when we moved in I ignored them and kind of hoped they would die (not nice, I know). ANyway, they will not die, and just sprouted these little mutant nasty flowery thingies.

I am thinking of actually helping them out. Suggestions? Should I just cut them down to the stump and start over?:/

 

[desertwillow]

They must be old ones if they look like that. I would prune them so that they are about 6-12 high if you can, taller if not. ( I used to have one in a front garden where I used to live and the trunk was as thick as a tree trunk.) From there they should sprout and grow. I would feed them typical rose food, following the directions on the label as to how much and how often. I prefer the food that has a pesticide in it so you are handling two things at once. Make sure they get plenty of water. If they haven't been getting much then you'll notice a difference right away. I'd hold off on the feed until the damger of frost has passed.

 

[desertgirl]

OK-I'll do it. Do you think they will sprout roses this year if I follow your very good advice?

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Hi desertgirl,

Have a look at this link about pruning:

http://www.ncnhdistrict.org/aom/gnarlyrosebush.html

I would put a really good mulch around the base of the plants -- that always helps!

http://www.rosebuddies.com/feed.html **** This is just general info on what to feed & when etc.

Good luck & happy pruning!

:rose Hattie :rose

 

[desertgirl]

Hello, Hattie!

I think I'm past pruning..more into butchery!

Thanks for the links-will puruse now....

:rose

(note the irony...)

 

[Hattie the Hen]

:weight :weight :weight :weight :weight

IRONY NOTED !!

Save the roses -- give them another chance.......!!


:rose Hattie :rose

 

[desertgirl]

Sigh... you have inspired me.row


Now to inspire DH to get in there with a chainsaw and get them in order!

 

[desertwillow]

Hattie gave you good advice. She knows where all the links are. They should do quite well for you and might even bloom, maybe not as profusely but you might get something. To be that old they deserve a chance. Lots of luck and let me know how they are doing.

 

[desertgirl]

I am more than inspired-I am out to right the wrong I have inflicted on these Grand Dams. I apologize for my mean spiritedness....

I showed DH "our" new project, and he just grinned and started oiling the chainsaw!I'll get some pics going after the Superbowl ( I may be trying to right a wrong here, but a girl has her priorities!).

 

[Hattie the Hen]

I am more than inspired-I am out to right the wrong I have inflicted on these Grand Dams. I apologize for my mean spiritedness....

I showed DH "our" new project, and he just grinned and started oiling the chainsaw!I'll get some pics going after the Superbowl ( I may be trying to right a wrong here, but a girl has her priorities!).

Hi desertgirl

So glad you & DH are girding your loins to tackle the two old ladies problems.......

I'm sending you a few more links full of advice etc. to help you on your way!

http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091213025150AA2TqpL

http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/gardening/Lets-start-pruning.5046245.jp

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/751199.html

http://www.rosemagazine.com/pages/pruning.asp

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/jan/25/Ld4FCroseguru25/
*****This last one seems to be very good advice -- do it over 2 years rather than hard prune.

Hope this spurs you on -- enjoy the Superbowl.......!!


:rose Hattie :rose