Pruning

Heavy pruning of roses generally occurs in North Central Florida around late February to early/mid March depending on temperature.

Autumn pruning is considerably lighter than Spring pruning, usually done around early September but as with Spring it is largely temperature dependent.

Sucker Removal

On grafted roses vigorous branches may emerge from time to time from the root stock (below the graft union).

Our rose rootstock is Fortuniana (the best for Florida) and looks quite different from most other rose leaves, so they are more conspicuous and thus easier to identify and remove. Just cut them close to the stalk.

Light Requirements

Roses typically prefer six to eight hours of direct sun per day. This is necesarry for optimum blooming. Antique roses can usually take less sun, about four to six hours per day.