I haven't pruned my roses yet (area of mild winters). The area is in a drought, and since I'll be doing very little watering, I'm wondering if it's better to leave them unpruned (hips still on some of them), prune them extra severely (leaving few main canes), or prune moderately like I generally do? It's a mix of hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras. Summers can get over 100, but not for many days in a row, and not very often -- we might have 4-5 instances of 90+ in a year. I have about 50 shrubs, and the water adds up.
The Young Codger.2014-02-22T15:24:40Z
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I'd prune the HTs hard as normal,the floribundas andgrandifloras can be just tidied up. Cut the weak ,dead, diseased and crossing material and tidy the ends cleanly. If the roses are established you won't need as much water as on new ones, but they will need a soaking now and again. Why not apply a heavy mulch of an ornamental pea shingle, that really does keep the roots from baking and conserves moisture.
Follow young codgers advice. You do need to prune them back right now if you are in Southern California or similar mild weather climate. Trim out deadwood and interfering canes in the center. Cut down about 1/3 of the height. If you can establish a drip irrigation system so you are getting water directly to the roots of the plant. Use one - two gallon/hour dripper / rose. Avoid over head sprinkling. A layer of mulch helps conserve water. Get rid of weeds. Water no more than once a week probably about 5-10 gallons of water /plant in the summer. Established roses are fairly tolerant of dry conditions. Floribunda roses need less pruning than hybrid teas or grandifloras. I suspect your past pruning practices were about correct. Enjoy your roses. Lawns use far more water than any other plant in the garden.
Concerning pruning,hard pruning produces fewer flowers,which are larger and often suitable for rose shows.Light pruning means more,smaller flowers. Suggest adoipting the "see-saw" method i.e.remove some of the old,thick stems completely and tip prune the young green shoots.Alternate this procedure year on year, Throw the washing up water and the bath water over your roses,this will help discourage aphids too. While the soil is moist put down a layer of well rotted manure or compost to conserve moisture.