PRUNING INFORMATION 



3i 



Pruning 



If you have bought two- or three-year-old plants, cut 

 them back rather severely at the time of planting — to three 

 or four buds on the Hybrid Perpetuals and about six on 

 the Teas and Hybrid Teas. Always cut the stem just above a 

 bud that points out, never above one that points toward the 

 center of the plants. The term bud or eye is used to define 

 the places on the stem where leaves will be produced. They 

 are easily distinguished, as they look like small, pointed 

 warts on the stems. If the plants are in leaf when planted, 

 the above does not apply. The crop of flowers on the rose 

 plants is largely governed by the kind of pruning the plants 

 receive. In fact, other conditions being ideal, the pruning 

 determines the quantity and the size of the flowers. 



The Hybrid Perpetuals and most other hardy roses 

 should be pruned in March; if weather permits, by the 



Method of pruning Hybrid Teas for garden display 

 (As recommended by the N. R. S. of England) 



middle of the month. The tender roses, the Teas and 

 Hybrids Teas, need not be pruned until along in April, when 

 the sap begins to flow and the buds begin to swell; for, at this 

 time, dead and weak wood may be much more easily dis- 

 tinguished and cut out than earlier 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 



