Pruning roses

31 Jul '04 9:05 am

Right - Here in the southern hemisphere I am starting to do the big winter prune. I've read heaps of literature, some of which is downright scary. I'm pruning some climbers carefully for the first time (they're 3 years in the ground) and hope I'm doing OK. I'm also going to use the hedge clippers on absolutely all the large established fence roses. Wish me luck.

But it's hard to know who to believe! Has anyone had a disaster with rough and ready pruning methods like the hedge clippers?

4 Aug '04 12:16 pm

Hi Moosey.
I have not actually used hedge clippers but some of my rambler type climbers have had a pretty rough prune and no ill effects. Exclamation

I have a climber called Mermaid that is so thorny Twisted Evil

that I don't go near it as it could envelope you alive.
I think roses are alot more forgiving than some people make out and unless you are growing for the how bench I think you can not be too over anxious about the pruning methods.