@Pianoplayer - I would cut down to 12-14 inches. Then remove any dead, dying, inward growing or crossing canes.
I have some roses that also have weedy growth, so I didn’t cut it all off. It’ll get stronger with time and more leaf = more energy I figure so left them on.
probably cut these off but not certain from the angle. They look to be crossing and going inward.
Unexpected bonus by the looks of it on my 'Lady of the Lake'...there are buds bursting out of the main canes from ground level up. The bottom 2-3ft has always been bereft of any growth up until now, so it's very welcome.
My ambition in life now is to write a post...so amazing...so utterly life changing and awe inspiring...that @Nollie can't help but press the "Like" button.
Hello @Pianoplayer, I always did find SWE a bit feeble and twiggy. It was one on my hit list for shovel pruning but OH has reclaimed all the roses I have hoiked out for outside her new garden office. I pruned it right down to 10” for the move - who knows, it might be just what it needs! So I would not be afraid to prune it lower.
Here’s a lagger - Rose de Rescht, new potted rose last summer, next to this year’s bare root Marie Pavie. Spot the difference between a portland/damask and a polyantha!
Looking again at Cramoisi Superieur, the old new leaf growth shrivelled and died in the cold, but it looks to be starting over, so that’s promising:
Noella Nabonnand, another tea, meant to be very vigorous:
Finally, The Prince, looking good:
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
@celcius_kkw My understanding is the SB Invigorator works by smothering the aphids, similar to say dish soap etc? Supposed to be non toxic to pollinators as long as you’re careful about not directly spraying any.
@Omori I tried to look up the exact mechanism online but all I can find is it has a ‘physical’ mode of action, which, I suppose is just like what you described. I do intend to keep some ladybirds but it’s too cold at the moment to release them, the bug company recommends stopping the use of SB invigorator for about 2 weeks prior to releasing the ladybirds.
I think it works like you said only if sprayed directly onto the pests.. also when the solution is shaken it does go quite foamy.. much like soap..
Hi @Mr. Vine Eye@Nollie many thanks for the advice and the annotations! I need to have more confidence...
I really like the blooms and the scent AND they were completely BS/mildew-free, so I will give them another couple of seasons. Hoping for more basals this time.
@poppyfield64 Good to see you here again,I am sorry your husband has had health problems, all best wishes for better times ahead. I have Scarborough Fair in my DA basket I remember it being praised on this thread and now @Marlorena says it's in danger of being discontinued I really am tempted.
BUT I've just ordered Mme Isaac P because of @Omori and Marlorena! I've been looking for a pillar rose and that seems ideal apart from my pillar is on the patio so it will need to be in a pot. I'll make it a big one and transfer it to ground if and when I think it is suffering.
@celcius_kkw Last year I'm sure I read that tea leaves deter aphids. I certainly had no problems after I started scattering them on the soil. I've just started again after finding the first critters on Heidi Klum (but only on her in the middle of all my other pots strangely). I look forward to seeing your now mature potted roses this year and hearing about any new challenges you have keeping them fabulous.
I started collecting tea bag leaves after reading it on here. I've got a box full of them that I never used. They look fine, not gone mouldy or anything. Do you think there's any benefit to using them after all this time!?
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I have some roses that also have weedy growth, so I didn’t cut it all off. It’ll get stronger with time and more leaf = more energy I figure so left them on.
probably cut these off but not certain from the angle. They look to be crossing and going inward.
Here’s a lagger - Rose de Rescht, new potted rose last summer, next to this year’s bare root Marie Pavie. Spot the difference between a portland/damask and a polyantha!
Looking again at Cramoisi Superieur, the old new leaf growth shrivelled and died in the cold, but it looks to be starting over, so that’s promising:
Noella Nabonnand, another tea, meant to be very vigorous:
Finally, The Prince, looking good:
I really like the blooms and the scent AND they were completely BS/mildew-free, so I will give them another couple of seasons. Hoping for more basals this time.