94 



HOW TO GROW ROSES 



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may be much more easily distinguished and cut out than earher 

 in the season. Besides, it is an advantage to leave the mulch 

 undisturbed until settled weather has arrived. At the time of 

 pruning, one must decide upon the kind of crop wanted. If 

 the very biggest and best flowers are wanted, severe pruning is 

 necessary (see 1, page 97); if a large crop of average flowers, only 

 moderate pruning (see 2, page 97); but where a quantity of 

 bloom is preferred, only a Httle pruning is necessary (see 3, 

 page 98). 



When pruning Hybrid Perpetuals, first cut out the weak 

 wood and any branches that cross; then cut back the strong 

 canes to about six eyes, the top one pointing out, and the cut 

 being made one-quarter of an inch above the bud. If you want 

 only a few big flowers, cut back to only three or four buds. For 

 ?'V^ ^ the big outdoor display, leave four to 



, ,.^ , . seven canes two-thirds their growth. The 



y\^M Teas and Hybrid Teas will need the same 

 'T^ ^ attention, but there should be as much or 

 //,-^^»more wood left. In case the winter may 

 Ij / ; 1 have killed the canes, cut back to Hve wood, 

 V%j / even if down to the surface of the soil. 

 / 1 1"^/ These rules are modified somewhat by 



■ ' ^ ' the character of the plant. The weaker- 

 growing varieties can be cut back farther than 

 strong-growijig sorts. The strong-growing 

 kinds, if cut back too heavily, will run to 

 wood, and, in the case of some, too heavy 

 pruning may kill the plant. 



Austrian Briar roses (also the Bourbons) 

 need very little pruning. The Wichuraianas 

 and many of the Multifloras bloom on the 

 branches produced the previous summer; 

 hence these should be pruned very little 

 during autumn or spring; but just as soon as they have finished 

 blooming in the summer, entirely remove the old flowering 

 shoots to give the new gro^^•th plenty of light and air. 



Climbing and Piflar roses need be cut back but one-third to 

 one-fifth, and on old, well-estabhshed plants, the old, enfeebled 

 wood should also be taken out. 



Showing where to 

 prune 



