|
| I am new owner to a home with about 8 knock-out rose bushes. They were unpruned last spring-summer and ended up huge...at least 4-5x4 feet. This past late fall I pruned them to about 2 feet tall which is what they are now. 1) Should I prune them shorter? Thanks for your advice, |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| I have to tell you that my name is Bonnie Jean too! I don't see many people with the name Bonnie much less the same middle name. I live in Texas and I have several knockouts and I have found it really doesn't matter how far you cut them back they always do well. I usually prune mine in February but we have a milder winter here in SE Tx. I camehome one day and my hubbie had pruned my knock outs so short I felt sure they wouldn't survive but they did and looked great when they grew. Knockouts are very hardy so I think you will be safe in anything you do to them. I would think if you pruned them in November that that should be good for this spring. But who knows, live and learn. Good luck! Bonnie |
|
- Posted by bonniejean 6, Canton, Ohio (My Page) on Fri, Mar 14, 14 at 11:13
| Wow, I have never met another Bonnie Jean! I have heard the same thing about cutting them back hard, that it doesn't bother them. Still left with the question of when. Thanks for your input. |
|
- Posted by nicholas.delo (My Page) on Fri, Mar 14, 14 at 11:44
| In NJ I prune mine when the forsythia starts blooming (I think a lot of others do the same as this is a good indication spring has officially begun). Other than that, you can just wait until you no longer have to fear frost or ice damage, so more or less when the temps at night reliably stay above freezing. |
|
| I think down to 2' is enough. Once last frost date has past, you'll want to check to see if what is left is still green to the tips. Of not, you can prune off that bit, or just leave it. Knock Out will send out new growth to cover. Like nicholas.delo, I prune in late winter/early spring, meaning late March/early April, when the forsythia blooms. I don't prune in the fall. |
This post was edited by diane_nj on Mon, Mar 17, 14 at 9:42
|
| I usually prune late March early April here... This year is much colder than usual so who knows? When the forsythia bloom in your area would be a good time to prune. |
|
- Posted by bonniejean 6, Canton, Ohio (My Page) on Sat, Mar 15, 14 at 15:59
| Thanks everyone. I'll watch out for the forsythia, but will keep the overall weather in mind. I'll look out for when when it's starting to send new growth out. My crocus is starting to bloom and for sure there is plenty of winter left. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Roses Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here
