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Caring for old roses

SwedboySwedboy Posts: 394
in Problem solving
We have s summerhouse which we don't spend more than about two weeks every year at due to the location. The roses are in need of some TLC as they are plus 50 years old and there are quite lot dead branches amongst the healthy ones.

Would it be possible to earth layer them to juvenate them? Not sure a brutal cutback is a good idea as they will be left uncared for when we are away. 

The roses are New Dawn and a second  one I can't remember (red flowers but that is not much of a clue)

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Sounds to me you're better off selling that summerhouse...or have someone look after the garden. With old roses the only way to rejuvenate them is to cut them down to the ground. But can't expect a garden to look decent if you're prepared to look after it for two weeks a year...that's ridiculous. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • SwedboySwedboy Posts: 394
    The house in a different country and the old family home so selling is not an option. 

    I might just continue with the pruning as I do as I'm a bit afraid to cut then to the ground 
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