Roses very leggy
These roses get full sun. They bloom a lot but unfortunately have become so leggy they don't look pretty anymore. I want to cut them down but am not sure (1) the best method or (2) the right time to do that. Should I wait until fall when last bloom is over?
Montgomery County Maryland
1 Response
We viewed your photos. It looks like you did not prune this spring. The roses look like they were subject to black spot, a fungal disease http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/black-spot-roses-shrubs and rose slugs, an insect issue. http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/rose-slugs-shrubs
In general, rosarians prune in July to about 2 feet from the ground to get new growth and flowers. You will have to spray with fungicides to protect the foliage. Monitor for insects. Keep the plants well watered during dry periods and fertilize as needed. Plants can be fertilized up until the beginning of September. Mulch to conserve moisture.
If you do not prune now, you will have to wait until spring.
mh
