Hi Frederick,

I am happy to help you with your out-of-control rosebush.

Do you know if your plants are grafted or if they are on their own roots? If you have the plant tag, you might find the answer there. You may be able to determine if your plants are grafted by poking around at the base of the stem. A grafted rose will have a main stem extending up from the root stock topped by a swollen knot-like area representing the graft from which grafted branches sprout. An own root rose (either from seed or cutting) will show branches extending from the base or a main stem without a swollen knot-like area.

Grafted roses may sprout stems from the root stock, especially if the graft is below ground. For the most part, root stock produces small single red rose blossoms which will be different from the top graft blossoms. In such instances, those rapidly growing canes should be removed as close to the root as possible.

Some own root roses may put up taller vegetative stalks. You can either let these go and they will result in a larger plant or you can continue to prune them back if you are happy with the current size and shape.

Thanks for contacting the Help Desk! Let us know if you have any more questions.

Katie

 

Frederick, If you have any follow-up or future gardening questions, we would encourage you to directly contact the MG Help Desk that supports York County, VA.

Email your gardening questions to: <personal data hidden>

York's master gardener website provides additional info on your local county/community engagements: https://www.yorkcounty.gov/1672/Master-Gardeners