Cutting to be kind

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“My evil genius Procrastination has whispered me to tarry ‘til a

more convenient season.”

-- MARY TODD LINCOLN

“The crown of roses is also a crown of thorns.”

-- G. K. CHESTERTON

One of the thornier issues gardeners must deal with each winter is

when to prune the roses. Timing, Catharine tells me, is important

(actually she makes the point regularly).

Pruning is completed in concert with locale and temperature (when

new growth is stimulated by warmer weather), bringing the promise of

new foliage and beautiful flowers. For those of you who live in

Laguna, your roses should be pruned anytime from now to the end of

February.

The fear of rose pruning, much like the fear of flying, is

unnecessary stress. Armed with Felco secateurs (or another pair of

sharp hand shears) and goatskin gloves, this annual ritual will

transform a crown of thorns into a crown of rose petals. Roses are

one of the most forgiving of plants and will endure a beginner’s

uncertain cuts. Over time, gardeners develop pruning skills and

discover it is difficult to prune a rose incorrectly.

We prune for the health of the rose. Selected pruning shapes the

bush into an attractive form and prepares the rose for the

anticipated blooming that follows within a few weeks. Hybrid teas and

floribundas are the most popular of roses and don’t require heavy

pruning in Laguna. Keep in mind that about a third of the plant will

be trimmed.

The first step is to remove any dead wood. Next, cut out all weak

stems and growth that are growing toward the center of the rose. The

ideal structure is an open bush with 5 to 10 remaining canes growing

in an outward direction.

Sealing major cuts with pruning paint, nail polish, or white glue

can prevent insects and diseases from entering the plant and prevent

vital sap from escaping. Any cut over half an inch in diameter should

be sealed whenever it is made.

In practice, the location on a cane for your cut should be above a

bud eye (the site where new growth appears), which is pointing

upward, and outward. The cut should be made 1/4-inch above the eye

and angled at 45 degrees down and away. The new stem will then grow

toward sunlight and fresh air. If you can’t find a bud eye, cut the

cane back by about one-third.

Climbers require different pruning. Many of them will flower only

on second-year laterals. If these canes are removed, there will be no

flowers that year. I follow and recommend stripping all of the leaves

and pruning back only growth that has extended beyond intended

confines. Of course, any damaged or dead canes should be removed.

Follow these instructions, and climbers will provide a good display

of flowers each year.

I believe that many of us live our lives putting off all that can

be put off. Don’t put off pruning your roses, volunteering for

community service or reminding your life partner that they are

special. Who knows, one day you could become a member of the coastal

commission or beyond. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist

Catharine Cooper and has three cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438 or by e-mail at [email protected].