Page 33 - Silver Lakes August Issue 2024

GARDENING

IT’S TIME FOR PRUNING ROSES

By Elize Malan

runing is all about preparing for a
flourishing new season. Pruning roses is
Pa crucial gardening task that promotes
healthy growth, abundant blooms and
overall vigour. For South African gardeners,
the ideal time to prune roses is from the late
winter to early spring, typically from late July
to early September. We provide a step-by-
step guide to help you prune your roses and
get them ready for the new season.

Pruning is essential for several reasons:
• It encourages new growth
Cutting back old wood stimulates the rose
bush to produce new stems.
• It shapes the plant
Pruning helps maintain a desirable shape
and size, making your rose bush more
attractive.
• It improves air circulation
Removing excess branches improves air
circulation, reducing the risk of diseases.
• It enhances bloom quality
By removing old and weak growth, the
plant can focus its energy on producing
better blooms.

Tools you will need above outward-facing buds to encourage Here are some final tips to bear in mind:
Sharp pruning shears: For clean cuts that growth away from the centre. • Prune on a dry day to prevent the spread
heal quickly. 5. Trim to the desired height of diseases.
Gloves: To protect your hands from thorns. Depending on the type of rose, trim the • Always make clean, angled cuts to prevent
Disinfectant: To clean your shears and canes to a height of about 45cm to 60cm water from sitting on the cuts and causing
prevent the spread of disease. (18 to 24 inches). For larger varieties, you rot.
can leave them a bit taller. • Inspect your roses regularly for signs of
Steps to prune roses 6. Remove weak growth pests or disease, and take action promptly.
1. Prepare your tools Thin out any spindly or weak growth. This
Ensure that your pruning shears are sharp allows the plant to direct its energy to By following these steps, you’ll ensure
and clean. Disinfect them to prevent disease stronger canes. that your roses are well-prepared for the
transmission. 7. Clean up upcoming growing season, leading to a
2. Remove dead and diseased wood Gather all pruned material and dispose of garden filled with vibrant, healthy blooms.
Start by cutting away any dead, diseased or it properly. This helps prevent the spread of Happy gardening!
damaged wood. Make your cuts at least an diseases and pests.
inch below the affected area, ensuring that Tel: 012 804 1807
you reach healthy wood. Post-pruning care Fax: 012 804 0278
3. Cut back old canes Watering: Ensure that your roses receive Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Remove old, woody canes that are no adequate water, especially if the weather Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
longer producing vigorous growth. This will is dry.
encourage new, productive stems. Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer to
4. Shape the bush provide essential nutrients for new growth.
Cut back remaining canes to shape the bush. Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the
Aim to open up the centre of the plant to base of the plant to retain moisture and
improve air circulation. Make your cuts suppress weeds.

INTRAMUROS AUGUST 2024 | 31