Hey John;
I have several once blooming ramblers and I prune them much the same as
Gail. In general, Old World roses bloom on last year's canes, so cutting
out the older beat-up canes is a good idea, as it leaves the newer canes
to
produce flowers next year. As for when, anytime after the bloom cycle is
good, but unlike modern roses, not in the spring, as it will reduce the
blooming rate.
How much can you prune? Well I've run over mine with a lawn mower and
they've come back. On the other hand, Gail's approach seems more prudent.
Good luck
Jeff, Southeast Michigan, Zone 5
"Gail Futoran" <futoran@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:QWwki.303109$p47.142276@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> "John W" <muck25@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
> news:mBqki.40893$aP2.36336@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>I have what I think is a rambler rose bush. It has a massive bloom late
>> spring to early summer. Now they (flowers) are all dead and I have a
>> massive
>> bush. Can I prune this way back so I can see the fence again?. Is now
the
>> time to do this. Any help appreciated
>>
>> THANKS
>>
>> jOHN
>
> I generally prune ramblers and climbers to
> make it comfortable for me to walk around
> them. That isn't scientific, but so far
> has worked. I'm not sure I'd prune yours
> back a lot - but you can probably do a
> fair amount of trimming with no harm.
>
> What you might want to do is cut out
> some of the older canes, usually the
> bigger ones, all the way back to the
> ground. That can help rejuvenate the
> rose. Then shorten the remaining canes
> for appearance/convenience getting
> around.
>
> When it doubt, do a little bit now, see
> how the shrub responds, then do more
> later.
>
> Gail
> near San Antonio TX Zone 8 USA
>
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