Roses now after hard pruning in autumn

Cutting the roses right back to about 15 cm (6 inches) high in October has caused problems. Instead of growth stopping then, as it normally does, the mild weather allowed new buds to develop. These (ringed in red) suffered in the harsh frosts, stimulating even more new buds. Now there are almost too many.

Will have to reduce these if I want big roses, but not sure yet which ones to remove. It is not hard to do: just rub off with thumb. But I never like killing buds - or killing any form of life, for that matter. However, it looks as if it will have to be done. Will have to remove some more dead wood, as well.

I normally cut roses down to about 30 cm (one foot) in autumn, just to stop them rocking in the winds, then cut them again to about 6 inches in early March. Last year was first year I had ever cut them back so much at this time. The idea was to get them a bit earlier.

It is just something else that has gone wrong with the garden. However, all is not bad. At least there are strong new shoots developed. Its the little puny ones I need to get rid of.

P.S. Cutting back old tired roses really hard (as I have done) rejuvinates them. They suddenly start throwing strong new shoots from around base. These are the best forms of shoots and they produce big luscious blooms.