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Is it OK to cut a rose back and leave no leaves on the canes?

Prettypetals_GA_7-8

12 years ago

I have several that have gotten very lanky due to being planted in a bad spot but don't want to move them. I would love to just cut them waaaaay back and let them bush out all over again. Will they be OK if I cut them back to where all they have is canes and no leaves? Thanks, Judy

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Comments (7)

roseseek
12 years ago
Foliage not only feeds the plant, but shields it from the hot sun. With the intensity of sun and heat so many of us are experiencing, I'd think what you want to do would be better done when temperatures cool and intensity of sunlight dims a bit more. Once the can is sun scalded, sun burned, the cambium (circulatory system) is often killed and you'll have to cut it back even further. So, yes, you CAN do it, but it would be safer after the heat and brilliant sun are over. Kim
karenforroses
12 years ago
I've done it when a rose insists on being a one-cane wonder, and had luck with it then sending up multiple basal breaks But roseseek is right - it's better to wait for cooler weather if possible.
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michaelg
12 years ago
There are bud eyes where leaves used to be; these will normally produce growth after pruning. Look for a pimple with a line under it, sort of a one-eyed smiley. These are easy to spot on smooth canes, less so on old barky canes, but there should be one for every few inches of cane..

I don't think old barky canes will sunburn. I also don't think the sun in the Atlanta area is as hot as Kim's inland CA location. Although I am a few degrees cooler than you are (Asheville), I've never hesitated to cut roses back in summer.
jim1961 / Central Pennsylvania / Zone 6
12 years ago
I'd move them at the proper time of the year in your area and end the worrying of having to cut them back because of being lanky... lol But, that's me... lol
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
12 years ago
They will end up lanky again probably. Why not bite the bullet and move them (in the autumn, when it is cooler)?
particentral
12 years ago
I did this last year to one in July. turned out to be a good thing and then it got moved later. We have so much growing time left (like until December!) that it will not IMO hurt anything. I am in SW GA. I would do it in a heartbeat.
Prettypetals_GA_7-8
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks everyone. I really didn't want to move them for lack of room but I really like them and want to keep them. In the spring they are fine because the crape myrtles aren't very big but now they are huge and nothing in that bed gets the sun it got in the spring. I think I will cut them back since they are shaded so much now so I can tidy up the bed and then move them this fall. Thanks everyone for all your help. Now I guess this gives me an excuse to buy some new plants next spring to fill that spot, for shade this time around. lol!!! Thanks, Judy

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