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Rose problem
Pat Elding
Posts: 3
in Plants
Hello, I am new to the forum, a friend of mine has 2 rose bushes in her garden which due to a Californian lilac overtaking them have grown to over 6ft in height, with just foliage on the top 6 - 10 inches. I feel they should be pruned back in the hope that they will shoot out new growth at the bottom. These bushes are deeply sentimental to my friend and I am loath to prune them in case I kill them. Has anyone any ideas regarding this problem?
Also in my own garden I have a bramble problem which I am not sure how to tackle, help would be appreciated.
0
Posts
The roses are leggy because they are reaching for light. They sound like shrub or rambler roses, both will lose lower leaves if light isn't allowed to get to the stems. It's the lilac that's the problem. If you can move the lilac and then prune the roses by a third and feed them.
As for the brambles, cut them down to ground level and as the new growth appears spray with a strong glysophate solution. If you can dig some of them out all the better the roots don't go too deeply. Keep a watch out for any new growth if you dig them out and spray as it appears
Thanks very much for your reply Daver, The lilac has been removed completely, and I know the roses need to be pruned above an outward facing bud They are shrub roses that are about 7 - 8ft tall.
Thanks also, ChrissieB I will look at doing what you suggest. There is not too much room to move them sadly, I know they need to be in fresh ground and not the same place. Will let you know how I get on with both problems.
Thank you so much again
Yes chrissie a neighbour chopped out the lilac so hopefuly next week I can attempt to sort the problem out. Many thanks for your help